Psychological safety in sports: its correlates and association with mental health outcomes -Turkish validation of the sports psychological safety inventory
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORT AND EXERCISE PSYCHOLOGY, 2025 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Publication Date: 2025
- Doi Number: 10.1080/1612197x.2025.2549890
- Journal Name: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORT AND EXERCISE PSYCHOLOGY
- Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, CINAHL, Psycinfo, Social Sciences Abstracts
- Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
This study validated the Sport Psychological Safety Inventory (SPSI-Tr) and examined its link to mental health among Turkish professional athletes. An online survey assessing psychological safety, athlete-specific stress, depression, and anxiety was completed by 530 of 1,249 athletes (66.2% male; 70% in team sports). The SPSI-Tr showed strong psychometric properties. Younger, less experienced, single athletes and those participating in individual sports reported significantly lower psychological safety (p < 0.01). Moderate negative correlations were found between SPSI-Tr and stress, anxiety, and depression scores (r = -0.69 to -0.30). These findings support the SPSI-Tr as a reliable measure for Turkish athletes and suggest that certain groups may be more vulnerable to low psychological safety and related mental health challenges. Further research is recommended to better understand psychological safety in sports and guide targeted mental health interventions.