Marking a new phase of research, in 2026 lecturers and researchers of the Department of Health Psychology and Pedagogy at Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) have embarked on an international scientific collaboration project, From Observation to Action: A Longitudinal and Cross-Cultural Perspective on Athletes’ Psychological Adaptation During the Sports Season, which will be implemented from 2026 to 2028.
The project brings together three partners—Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU), the Lithuanian Sports University, and the National Taiwan Sport University—to implement cross-cultural research collaboration in the field of sport psychology. The project leader in Latvia is Dr. paed. Katrīna Volgemute, leading researcher and lecturer at the Department of Health Psychology and Pedagogy at RSU. The project also involves researcher and lecturer Dr. paed. Gundega Ulme, an expert in psychology, and Dr. paed. Inga Liepiņa, an expert in sport pedagogy.
Research aim and approach
The aim of the study is to develop a systematic approach to monitoring the psychological state of athletes aged 16–25 throughout an entire sports season by combining psychological self-report instruments with objective psychophysiological measurements. This approach will allow not only the identification of changes in athletes’ psychological well-being, but also the early detection of risk signals that may lead to overload, burnout, or a decline in performance.
The project leader in Latvia, Katrīna Volgemute, emphasizes:
“In the sports environment, we increasingly see the need for regular, seasonally dynamic monitoring of athletes’ psychological state. A longitudinal approach makes it possible to better understand adaptation processes and to provide targeted support to athletes in a timely manner, before problems become clinical or negatively affect performance.”
Practical benefits for the sports environment
As a result of the project, practical, scientifically grounded recommendations will be developed for sports psychologists, coaches, and athletes to help:
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timely identify risks of psychological strain and burnout;
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adapt training and psychological support strategies;
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promote athletes’ sustainable development, well-being, and performance stability.
Benefits for public health
High-intensity sports environments increasingly highlight mental health challenges among young people, including prolonged stress, high demands, and pressure to achieve results. Unlike approaches based on one-time assessments, this project proposes monitoring athletes’ psychological adaptation dynamically over time. Such an approach enables a more accurate evaluation of athletes’ situations and more targeted support, while reducing the risk that talented athletes discontinue their sporting careers.
At a glance
Project title: From Observation to Action: A Longitudinal and Cross-Cultural Perspective on Athletes’ Psychological Adaptation During the Sports Season Duration: 2026–2028 RSU responsible unit: Department of Health Psychology and Pedagogy Partners: Rīga Stradiņš University, Lithuanian Sports University, National Taiwan Sport University Project leader in Latvia: Dr. paed. Katrīna Volgemute Target group: Athletes aged 16–25
