Risk and Protective Factors in the Transition Out of Sport: A Scoping Review on the Psychological Adjustment of Professional Athletes
Keywords:
Protective factor AND life after sport, Social support AND post career adjustment,, Psychological distress AND athletic retirement, dentity loss AND former athletes, Dual career AND retirement from sportAbstract
Numerous studies show that transitioning out of sport can be a critical phase which, if unsupported, can lead to identity crises, loss of meaning, depressive symptoms, and social isolation. The aim was to retrieve articles published between January 2015 and January 2025 in peer-reviewed English-language journals on risk and protective factors in transition to post-career for professional athletes. We conducted a scoping literature review following the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. The 66 selected studies were organized into six thematic categories with the support of Artificial Intelligence. Among the most recurrent risk factors are exclusive identification with the athletic role, unplanned retirement, and lack of support. Protective factors include advance planning for the end of career, well-structured dual career paths, favorable cultural and organizational contexts, and targeted psychological interventions. This review highlights the need to develop validated, culturally sensitive protocols to support athletes in building new identities after retirement.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Valeria Cioffi, ENRICA TORTORA, Fabiana Iacopino, Nunzia Annunziata, Vincenzo Filoso, Gianmaria Granato, Pietro Paolo Di Somma, Francesca Morelli, Marco Filippini, Serena Genghi, Carlo Acanfora, Enrico Moretto, Lucia Luciana Mosca, Chiara Scognamiglio, Raffaele Sperandeo
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