New research project on mental health of climbers

We’re thrilled to announce that our research team from the University of Bucharest has officially begun data collection from elite sport climbers as part of a groundbreaking study on mental health and burnout in the climbing community. This project, conducted by PhD student Zsófia Németi-Fehér under the supervision of Professor Andrei Ion, PhD, and co-supervision of Maria Stefania Ionel, PhD, from Babeș-Bolyai University, is implemented with the support of the IFSC (International Federation of Sport Climbing) Athletes’ Commission and the Medical & Anti-Doping Commission. Titled “The Impact of Stressors on Athletic Performance and Burnout: Exploring the Mediating Role of Affect, Intolerance of Uncertainty, Personality, and Emotion Regulation in Professional Sport Climbers,” this study aims to reveal the complex relationship between mental well-being and athletic performance in climbing.
This research responds to a need raised by professional climber Ievgeniia Kazbekova from the IFSC Athletes’ Commission. “As professional athletes, we face unique stressors – ranging from performance pressure to coping with failure,” Kazbekova shared. “This questionnaire is the first step in a project that we hope will flourish with the IFSC’s support. I personally invite all athletes to dedicate some time to this initiative, so we can make a positive difference for future generations and build a healthier approach to professional sport.”
The IFSC has long prioritized the well-being of athletes, recognizing that behind the moments of victory, there may be challenges that require mental health support. As the sport has grown rapidly in recent years, the IFSC remains committed to acknowledging that elite athletes are people first, and their mental health is as important as their physical strength. The IFSC President, Marco Scolaris, reinforces this commitment: “I would like to thank all the athletes who are participating in the survey. We strongly believe that athletes’ mental health and wellness should be a priority for all our stakeholders.”
With this collaboration between the University of Bucharest, Babeș-Bolyai University, and the IFSC, the study represents a major step forward in supporting the mental health of climbers and fostering a stronger, healthier athletic community.