Traumatic experiences and stress in competitive sport Implications for the treatment of experiences of interpersonal violence

Competitive sport is associated with numerous risk factors for mental stress. The few available studies on the frequency of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in top athletes indicate a high rate of corresponding symptoms. In recent years, the topic of interpersonal violence has also become the focus of interest. Several studies, also from German-speaking countries, show that interpersonal violence is common in popular as well as competitive sports and was reported by 70-78% of those questioned. Psychological violence is particularly common. Even if there are no studies on the frequency of symptoms of PTSD as a result of interpersonal violence in sport, the results so far indicate significant negative consequences for those affected. Finally, special features of the treatment of elite athletes with trauma disorders and stress as a consequence of interpersonal violence are discussed.