The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Singapore national youth athletes’ mental health and potential protective factors

The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in disruption of competitions and training for most athletes globally. Singapore underwent an unprecedented lockdown that forced cessation of sporting activities, following which, restrictions were lifted. This research aimed to investigate: (a) the impact of COVID-19 across Circuit Breaker (P1; full-lockdown) and Phase 2 (P2; fewer restrictions) on youth male and female athletes’ mental health in Singapore through examining psychological distress, (b) the specific challenges faced by athletes, and (c) the moderating effects of psychological resilience and psychological flexibility as protective factors on mental health. A total of 117 national youth athletes (Mage = 16.83 years, SD = 1.75), across 15 sports completed an online survey across both phases including demographic information, validated scales to assess psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale), psychological flexibility (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II) and psychological resilience (Brief Resilience Scale), as well as questions adapted from an International Olympic Committee survey and an open-ended question on challenges faced. Athletes reported facing significantly higher psychological distress (p < .001), had more difficulties managing sport and studies (p = .011), as well as sleep and recovery (p = .018) in P2 as compared to P1. Psychological flexibility and psychological resilience were significant moderators of poor mental health in P2 (p < .001). Qualitative responses corroborated findings that athletes faced a greater variety of challenges in P2. The findings shed light on how the Covid-19 pandemic impacted youth athletes’ mental health, the challenges they faced, and the protective factors that could combat psychological distress.