Mental health in endurance running: Beyond the prevalence of mental health symptoms toward understanding underlying mechanisms.

Authors

Mabliny Thuany, Beat Knechtle, Volker Scheer

Published in

The Journal of international medical research. Volume 54. Issue 8. Pages 3000605261476814. Epub Aug 18, 2026.

Abstract

Endurance runners appear to experience a higher prevalence of several mental health symptoms, including anxiety, exercise addiction, sleep disorders, and suicidal ideation. Existing evidence suggests that this pattern is multifactorial and cannot be explained by a single mechanism. In this commentary, we highlight the complex interplay among self-selection processes, sport-specific demands, and broader biopsychosocial factors that may contribute to these outcomes. We also emphasize that demographic characteristics may interact with training-related and psychological factors to shape mental health. To advance the field, we outline key priorities for future research, including longitudinal studies, clinical diagnostic assessments, investigations of pre-existing mental health conditions, and qualitative approaches to better understand athletes' lived experiences and the role of endurance running in mental health.

PMID:
42610934
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 18 Aug 2026.

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