Figure Skating Research Uncovers Athlete Well-being Concerns
New Study Highlights Physical and Mental Health Challenges in Young Skaters
A recent dissertation from Linköping University delves into the physical and mental well-being of young Swedish figure skaters, revealing critical insights into their experiences. The research, spearheaded by ST physician Moa Jederström, has shed light on prevalent issues within the sport.
From Skater to Scientist
Moa Jederström, a lifelong figure skating enthusiast who has competed, coached, and judged, felt compelled to investigate the realities faced by junior athletes. Her doctoral work evolved from a master’s thesis, aiming to understand the self-esteem and overall health of these young competitors.
Her comprehensive study involved a web survey answered by 137 competitive female skaters and in-depth interviews with twenty Swedish artists in the sport. Participants ranged from ages six to twenty-five, with a significant concentration of young teenagers.
Concerning Findings Emerge
The research indicates that 31 percent of participants experienced a significant sports injury in the past year. Furthermore, nearly half reported symptoms of anxiety, which correlated with a negative perception of their body image, concerns about being overweight, and older age. Injury risk was also linked to being an older skater and skipping meals. A tenth of the surveyed athletes also exhibited symptoms of depression.
“The results regarding mental health are generally equivalent to what it looks like in the general population in the same age group.”
—Moa Jederström, ST Physician
Jederström emphasizes that her findings do not paint figure skating as inherently more damaging than other sports, countering common media portrayions of athletes as “eating-disordered perfectionists.”
Call for Adult Responsibility
The interview component of the study revealed that young skaters often normalize destructive behaviors and face difficulties reporting abuse within the sporting environment. Participants expressed a strong desire for adults to take more initiative and act as stronger support systems.
“Adult responsibility is the most important thing in the dissertation, I think. Adults need to protect and secure along the way in order for young people to flourish and feel as good as possible in their sport. There is an approach, in sports overall, that you push yourself to continue playing despite injuries. It is a betrayal from the adult world that it is so.”
—Moa Jederström, ST Physician
Jederström highlighted that her research enhances her daily work at BUP (Child and Adolescent Psychiatry), providing deeper understanding of eating disorders, depression, and anxiety in young individuals. According to a 2023 report by the European Federation of Sport Psychology, around 30% of athletes experience mental health issues at some point in their careers, underscoring the broad relevance of Jederström‘s findings.
Looking ahead, Jederström plans to pursue postdoctoral research, including a study on the perceptions and actions surrounding child abuse in sports. She also aims to bridge child psychiatric knowledge with sports medicine, with a particular focus on improving the health and safety of young athletes.
