(1) Background: Self-talk (ST) is used to influence athletes’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Samples of squad and competitive athletes are underrepresented, although research has proven the positive effects of ST in the context of sports. Thus, the present study focused on the impact of ST on psychological and performance outcomes of junior sub-elite athletes. (2) Methods: N = 117 athletes (55 females, 62 males; M = 16.0 years) were randomly assigned to either one of two experimental groups or to a control group (n = 30). The experimental groups received an ST intervention for either one week (n = 36) or eight weeks (n = 38), and the control group received no ST training. The dependent variables (competitive anxiety, volitional skills, self-efficacy, and coaches’ performance ratings) were assessed three times before and after the intervention. It was expected that (a) an ST intervention would reduce the competitive anxiety and increase volitional skills, self-efficacy, and performance; and, (b) long-term training would lead to higher effects than short-term training. (3) Results: As expected, ST training led to (less) somatic state anxiety and (higher) state self-confidence, self-optimization, self-efficacy, and performance. Additionally, long-term training was more effective than short-term training. (4) Conclusions: Targeted ST interventions may help to improve junior athletes’ psychological states and performance.

Introduction: Recent studies indicate high prevalences of disordered eating or eating disorders in adult athletes and a worrying increase in adolescent athletes. Although several risk factors for developing eating disorders have been identified for adult athletes (e.g., personality factors, sport-related pressure), research on risk factors in adolescent athletes is scarce. Methods: This study investigates the prevalence of disordered eating and eating disorder symptoms and its association with personality- and sport-related risk factors in a sample of 439 elite athletes aged 13–18 years. Self-regulatory personality factors, sports and social pressure, as well as sports biographical data, were investigated in relation to different weight control methods and the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire measuring disordered eating and eating disorder symptoms. Results: Results indicate a prevalence rate of clinically significant eating pathology of 5.5% for the total sample, in which female athletes aged 15–18 years show the highest rate (9.6%). The structural equation model indicates a predominant association of sports and social pressure and personality factors with eating disorder symptoms. Conclusion: Being in the age range 15–18 years, being female, and being an athlete in a high-risk sport (e.g., aesthetics, weight class, or endurance sports) were identified as risk factors as well as athletes’ mental association with weight loss and success, and athletes’ perceived social pressure on eating and on body shape. Disordered eating and eating disorders are not only of concern for adults but also for young elite athletes and recommendations for adolescent elite athletes, coaches, and parents are given.

Zusammenfassung. Der vorliegende Beitrag stellt eine Skala zur Erhebung der kollektiv-moralischen Einstellung einer Gruppe für den deutschsprachigen Sport- und insbesondere Dopingkontext vor und überprüft sie hinsichtlich ihrer Testgütekriterien. Die KMES wurde auf der Grundlage der Collective Moral Motivation Scale aus der englischsprachigen Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologie entwickelt und anschließend anhand einer Gesamtstichprobe von 545 Personen (Substichprobe 1 und 3: Nachwuchsleistungsathlet_innen; Substichprobe 2: Sportstudierende) validiert. Eine konfirmatorische Faktorenanalyse bestätigt das postulierte eindimensionale Konstrukt, welches eine exzellente interne Konsistenz und eine akzeptable Retest-Reliabilität aufweist. Darüber hinaus zeigt die KMES Kriteriumsvalidität, indem sie die Außenkriterien antisoziales Verhalten und Dopingabsichten vorhersagen kann sowie erwartungskonforme Zusammenhänge zum motivationalen Trainingsklima abbildet. Die Ergebnisse deuten darauf hin, dass die KMES zur Erfassung von Werten auf kollektiver Ebene eingesetzt werden kann. Dies könnte vor allem in Anti-Doping-Studien neue Einblicke generieren.

Introduction: This brief report and study protocol emphasizes the growing recognition of the importance of mental health in young elite athletes, particularly during the vulnerable phase of adolescence, where bio-psycho-social demands are significant. It presents the 2Steps4Health project, which aims to reduce the risk of mental illness and enhance well-being by addressing stressors and empowering young elite athletes with coping strategies. Methods: 2Steps4Health is a stepped-care prevention program for young elite athletes aged 12–21 and comprises two levels (universal and indicated prevention). The evaluation study employs a longitudinal (quasi-) randomized intervention study design with a waiting control group, and it aims to equip participants with psychological skills to enhance overall well-being and resilience. The effectiveness of the program will be assessed using empirically validated questionnaires, with specific hypotheses for both prevention levels regarding life satisfaction, stress, recovery, self-esteem, and internalizing symptoms. Results: Available data will be analyzed using univariate repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVAs), allowing for both within and between group comparisons. Conclusion: With the help of its two prevention levels, 2Steps4Health combines clinical psychology approaches for symptom reduction with positive psychology for flourishing. Anticipated challenges include tight schedules and mental health stigma, addressed by offering group programs during training times and fostering support through connections with authorities. The project emphasizes the need for additional prevention actions targeting institutional factors influencing the mental health of young elite athletes.