Coping and psychological distress in elite adolescent soccer players following professional academy deselection

The current study explored the association between three categories of coping (problem focused coping, emotion focused coping and avoidance coping) and psychological distress in elite adolescent soccer players following professional academy deselection. Data regarding trait and specific coping was collected from 21 deselected players who completed the Brief COPE and General Health Questionnaire-12 at three time-points: 7-14 days before selection procedures (MT1), 7 days after (MT2), and 21 days after (MT3). A significant positive correlation between trait and specific avoidance and psychological distress at MT2 and MT3 was found. In addition, a significant negative correlation between trait problem focused coping and psychological distress was found at MT2. Other hypothesized associations were not found, however. The research, therefore, provides evidence that some coping strategies
are associated with psychological distress in the first month following deselection from a professional soccer club. Clinical implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.