A call to action: Integrating EMDR into sport social work and psychology

The purpose of this capstone project is to examine the role of trauma in athletic populations and evaluate the potential application of EMDR as a trauma-informed intervention within sport settings.

Article Abstract

“Background: Athletes are frequently characterized by resilience and mental toughness; however, growing evidence indicates that many athletes experience unresolved psychological trauma that can affect mental health, recovery, and performance. Trauma exposure in sport occurs through multiple pathways, including sport-related injuries, abusive coaching environments, adverse childhood experiences, and significant non-sport stressors. Emerging research suggests that rates of post-traumatic symptoms among elite and collegiate athletes are comparable to, and in some cases exceed, those observed in the general population. Despite this, trauma-informed care remains inconsistently integrated within sport psychology and sport social work, where services are often divided between mental performance training and general mental health treatment. The purpose of this capstone project is to examine the role of trauma in athletic populations and evaluate the potential application of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as a trauma-informed intervention within sport settings.

Methods: This project utilized a narrative literature review and policy analysis to synthesize existing research on trauma exposure among athletes and evaluate the empirical support for EMDR in both clinical and sport-related contexts. Relevant peer-reviewed studies and theoretical literature were reviewed to examine trauma prevalence, athlete mental health outcomes, and the applicability of EMDR to performance and recovery.

Results: The literature indicates that athletes experience meaningful rates of trauma exposure and post-traumatic symptoms that can affect performance, injury recovery, and psychological well- being. Evidence supporting EMDR as an effective treatment for trauma suggests potential relevance for athletic populations, although empirical studies specifically within sport contexts remain limited.”

Article Access

Open Access

O’Neill, M. (2026). A call to action: Integrating EMDR into sport social work and psychology. [Doctoral Capstone Report, The University of Alabama}. https://ir.ua.edu/handle/123456789/17717