Psychological predictors of sports injuries in elite ski athletes: a multidimensional analysis of personality, anxiety, depression and inflexibility

Abstract

Injuries among elite alpine sky athletes can lead to both physical and psychological consequences. While previous studies have pointed out how emotional factors can influence the risk of injuries, there has not been much investigation into how different psychological elements relate to the overall injury burden. This study aimes to evaluate how traits like neuroticism, anxiety, depression, psychological inflexibility, loneliness, and conscientiousness predict the frequency and severity of injuries in professional skiers. Additionally, it aims to identify psychological profiles that might indicate a higher risk of injury.