Feasibility, Acceptability, and the Experiences of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Group Intervention for Promoting Mental Well-Being of Finnish Athletes

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a sport-specific acceptance and commitment therapy group intervention enhancing athletes’ mental well-being. Acceptance and commitment therapy is a cognitive-behavioral approach including psychological flexibility skills training to promote mental well-being in sport. In addition, we examined new skills acquired by the athletes and individual differences in their experiences. A total of 43 athletes who completed the intervention were surveyed at the end of the intervention using semistructured questionnaires and a thematic analysis. Overall, 93% of athletes found the intervention useful or very useful, and all of the athletes recommended the intervention to other athletes. The thematic analysis revealed the themes of increased acceptance and present-moment skills, self-awareness, and value-based actions. The results indicate that the intervention is feasible and accepted by athletes. All athletes, regardless of gender, age, or sport, found the intervention useful.