Innovative psychology methods to solve mental health issues in rhythmic gymnastics

ongoing

"The ""Innovative Psychology Methods to Solve Mental Health Issues in Rhythmic Gymnastics"" project is a 24-month Small Cooperation Partnership that brings together four organizations from four EU Member States to address and solve mental health issues related to motivation and mental disorders in rhythmic gymnasts caused by strict diets and pressure to perform at the highest level at all times. Despite the substantial growth in women's involvement in sports over the past 30 years, female athletes are not protected from health- harming habits such as body-shaping drug use, and studies show that female athletes are at high risk of developing eating disorders. Therefore, the relationship among sports, exercise, and eating disorders has received increasing attention. The consortium comprises three sports clubs new to ERASMUS+ and one experienced organization. The project aims to protect athletes, particularly the youngest ones, and preserve their psychological health while developing their teamwork skills. The project has three objectives: - To build up the capacities of the involved sports clubs to prevent mental disorders in young Rythmic gymnasts - To establish fruitful cooperation among 4 organisations from 4 different EU Member countries with the long-term perspective to work together - To develop innovative educational tools for sports coaches and psychologists on how to prevent and solve athletes mental disorders The project comprises one work package with four major steps: management, education for coaches and athletes, developing educational materials, project launch on a local level, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and dissemination. Three TPMs will be conducted for managers, coaches, and psychologists to develop tangible outcomes, and one main mobility activity will be organized for staff. The long-term impact of the project will be sustained by the developed Handbook-Psychological Toolbox for Rhythmic Gymnasts, whichwill be available."