"LGBTQ+ athletes experience higher rates of discrimination and exclusion in sport settings, which contributes to anxiety, emotional exhaustion, and disconnection from teammates."
"Minority stress theory highlights how ongoing exposure to stigma and anticipated rejection creates a chronic stress load for LGBTQ+ individuals, affecting their performance."
"Chronic stress can disrupt sleep, slow recovery, and elevate the risk of injury, making it harder for athletes to stay fully engaged in training and competition."
"Liberating athletes from chronic stress related to minoritization not only improves well-being but also removes barriers to high performance that should not have been there."
LGBTQ+ athletes often navigate additional pressures in high-performance sports, including the need to filter their identities based on their environment. This vigilance can lead to anxiety, emotional exhaustion, and disconnection from teammates. Research indicates that these athletes face higher rates of discrimination, which affects their performance and well-being. Minority stress theory explains how ongoing stigma and anticipated rejection create chronic stress, impacting psychological, physiological, and performance aspects. Fostering a sense of belonging can alleviate these stressors and enhance athletic performance.
Read at Psychology Today
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