A Freudian Group Psychology Perspective on the Psychological Mechanisms in South Korean Elite Sports Teams: Implications for Mental Health

Hyunkyun Ahn¹, Yeon-Hee Choi^2,*, Young-Vin Kim^3,*
1 Department of Sport & Leisure Studies, Division of Arts & Health Care, Myongji College, Seoul, 03656, Republic of Korea
2 Department of Mental Coaching & Creative Leadership, Graduate School, Sogang University, Seoul, 04107, Republic of Korea
3 Department of eSports, Division of Culture & Arts, Osan University, Osan-si, 18119, Republic of Korea
* Corresponding Author: Yeon-Hee Choi. Email: email ; Young-Vin Kim. Email: email
(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Enhancing Mental Health through Physical Activity: Exploring Resilience Across Populations and Life Stages)

International Journal of Mental Health Promotion https://doi.org/10.32604/ijmhp.2025.060896

Received 12 November 2024; Accepted 18 February 2025; Published online 12 March 2025

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Abstract

Objectives: In this study, we examined the psychological impact of hierarchical and authoritarian structures in elite sports teams in South Korea on the ego formation and mental health of athletes. We aimed to analyze how these environments shape psychological well-being in athletes, drawing on Freud’s group psychology theory, while integrating perspectives from the Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Social Identity Theory (SIT). Methods: We applied a qualitative case-study approach, with data collected through in-depth interviews with eight retired elite table tennis players from South Korea. These athletes shared their experiences with psychological mechanisms in their teams and how those mechanisms impacted their mental health throughout their careers. We analyzed the collected data using thematic analysis. Results: The investigated psychological mechanisms significantly influenced the ego development and psychological well-being in athletes. In hierarchical and authoritarian environments, identification and ego idealization suppressed the autonomy of the athletes. Hierarchical order and obedience to authority figures exert significant pressure on athletes to conform, impeding the development of an independent ego. Furthermore, group pressure exacerbates ego erosion and psychological stress, while corporal punishment reinforces psychological pressure and hinders ego integrity. The integration of the SDT highlights the need for autonomy-supportive environments to mitigate such risks, while the SIT emphasizes balancing individual identity with group cohesion to address identity conflicts and psychological tension. Conclusion: Hierarchical structures and authoritarian dynamics in South Korean elite sports teams critically suppress autonomy in athletes, leading to psychological distress and identity conflicts. This study highlights the urgent need for systemic interventions to reform coaching practices and foster autonomy-supportive environments. These results contribute to the global discourse on the mental health of athletes in elite sports and offer actionable strategies for improving long-term well-being. Finally, this study provides practical recommendations adaptable to diverse cultural and sporting contexts, enhancing athlete mental health worldwide.