I am a final year student of the IADT B.Sc. (Hons.) in Applied Psychology Degree Program. My main interest is in Sport Psychology and for my final year thesis I chose to conduct a Rapid Structured Literature Review on the Psychological Wellbeing of Professional Jockeys. I have really enjoyed my time at IADT; and as a mature student I have really enjoyed having the opportunity to learn about the discipline of Psychology, as well as getting an opportunity to apply this knowledge to diverse areas such as sport, education, social science and happiness while, at the same time, acquiring extensive practical research methods and data analysis skills.
This project consists of a Rapid Structured Literature Review of the psychological wellbeing of professional jockeys from the perspectives of Social Identity Theory and Resilience Training. Based upon the outcome of the review, existing gaps in the literature are identified, as well as areas that need to be researched in greater detail. Where applicable, evidence-based concerns are raised about the existence of rules within the sport which may be harmful to the psychological wellbeing of jockeys. The relevant literature indicates that Social Identity Theory and Resilience Training can be applied to improve the psychological wellbeing of professional jockeys. Suggestions and recommendations for further research are made on the basis of the Rapid Structured Literature Review. The scope and potential application of Social Identity theory to the sport of horse racing is illustrated by this RSLR study.
The objective is to examine existing peer reviewed studies relating to the psychological wellbeing of jockeys from the perspectives of Social Identity Theory and Resilience Training, in order to use this research to identify areas where further academic research is required and, if appropriate, to identify where policy interventions might be explored to ameliorate any identified issues. Consideration is given, among other things, to the psychological impact of the current weight regulations on the jockeys, as well as cultural norms within the sport, and whether or not these are helpful to jockeys' overall wellbeing.
Themes identified by the Reflexive Thematic Analysis include the persistence of a male-dominated culture within horse racing, associated with a predominance of “macho” virtues of dealing with adversity without seeking outside help. An underlying culture of stigma was found to exist among jockeys, especially concerning mental health issues. The research also suggested that the weights regime within horseracing was problematic for physical and mental health.
The research highlighted the lack of any formal psychological resilience training for jockeys. Given the need for the promotion of cultural change from within; the use of role models from within the industry is recommended to destigmatize mental health issues; more egalitarian attitudes towards gender, and the use of more enlightened techniques of weight control.
The project consists of a Rapid Structured Literature Review of existing, relevant, peer reviewed academic research on the psychological wellbeing of professional jockeys. Eleven peer reviewed studies are selected, based upon searches of appropriate academic databases. A reflexive thematic analysis is then carried out on this selected literature, conclusions are drawn and suggestions for future research are made.