As a parent, you want what’s best for your child, especially when it comes to their health and safety.
Yet, for many parents of young athletes, the risk of concussion is a source of significant worry. In fact, recent research has revealed just how prevalent concussion-related anxiety is among parents.
Today on the blog we will review that recent research and what it means for parents of youth athletes.
New Concussion Research
A 2024 study (Beilder et al.) published in the Journal of Athletic Training examined the prevalence of concussion-related anxiety in 452 parents of youth athletes. The parents were 60% female with an average age of 40 years. The youth athletes were aged 8 to 14 years and participated in high-risk contact sports like soccer, ice hockey, lacrosse, and football.
The parents were surveyed with the Perceptions of Concussion Inventory for Athletes, modified to ask about their child instead of the parent.
The Results: Prevalence of Concussion Anxiety in Parents
Overall, there was widespread concern of concussion anxiety in parents. This highlights how much parents are thinking about the potential risks associated with youth sports.
Nearly three-quarters (73.2%) of parents found the idea of their child sustaining a concussion upsetting, and 61.5% admitted to feeling fearful about it. For almost half of the respondents, the mere thought of their child experiencing a concussion triggered feelings of anxiety.
Interestingly, only 4.6% of parents stated they weren’t worried at all about concussions.
Factors Driving Concussion Anxiety in Parents
The study also identified key factors that influenced concussion-related anxiety in parents:
1. Mothers tend to report higher levels of anxiety than fathers. This aligns with broader research showing that women often experience greater anxiety in parenting roles, particularly when it involves their child’s health.
2. Parents who had never experienced a concussion themselves were more likely to report higher levels of anxiety about their child sustaining one. This could be because those with a history of concussion may feel more informed about the injury and its management.
How Does Concussion Education Fit In?
Concussion education is a potential tool for easing the anxieties of parents.
While this study didn’t directly assess how education impacts anxiety, previous research has shown that providing clear, evidence-based information can reduce anxiety in other medical contexts, such as childhood fevers or surgeries. For concussions, education could demystify the injury, address misconceptions, and empower parents with the knowledge they need to support their young athletes.
Why This Matters
Addressing parental concerns is important. Parental anxiety about concussions doesn’t just impact parents—it can influence a child’s experience in sports as well. Fear of injury may lead parents to limit their child’s participation in sports altogether. This could lead to youth potentially missing out on the physical, mental, and social benefits of athletic involvement.
Athletic trainers, coaches, and sports organizations can play a vital role here. By delivering tailored concussion education and fostering open communication with parents, they can help reduce anxiety and ensure parents feel confident in their child’s ability to participate safely.
Takeaways
While anxiety about potential injuries is natural, the findings of this study highlight an opportunity to address these fears through education and support. With the right resources, parents can feel more informed and empowered—ensuring their children can enjoy the benefits of sports while also staying safe.
References
Beidler E, Teel E, Schmitt AJ, Muccio G, Holmes JH, Bretzin AC. Anxiety-Related Concussion
Perceptions of Parents of Youth Athletes. J Athl Train. 2024 Dec 3. doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-
0579.23. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39623564
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- Concussion Care and Management: The Evolution of Technology - October 29, 2024
- Navigating Concussion Management: Insights from High School ATs - August 9, 2024
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