Adolescence is a stage of life involving numerous physical, psychological and social changes. These changes can make young people particularly vulnerable to mental health challenges. In today’s society, young people are also constantly exposed to a wide range of stimuli, expectations and demands. It is therefore increasingly important to teach them skills that help them regulate both their physical and psychological functioning in everyday life.

The project aims to strengthen young athletes’ resilience and support their emotion regulation skills. Psychophysical methods that reinforce the mind–body connection have considerable potential to enhance young people’s sense of safety, resilience in times of crisis, adaptability and ability to cope with change. The project adapts methods commonly used in psychotherapy and sport and introduces them into young athletes’ everyday lives in an accessible and easy-to-learn format. Particular emphasis is placed on active participation, inner psychological safety and a sense of belonging.

The project will be implemented in 2026–2027 and will include, among other activities:

• Developing an open-access mind–body handbook, exercise bank and a series of workshops in collaboration with young athletes and experts
• Piloting workshops for athletes aged 13–18 and youth sports teams in Jyväskylä and Central Finland, as well as for their coaches.
• Introducing the developed exercise bank and operating model across a wide range of youth settings, both within and outside sport.

1. To support young athletes in strengthening their mind–body connection and developing their self-regulation skills
2. To enhance young athletes’ resilience and their ability to cope with uncertainty and change
3. To strengthen young athletes’ psychological flexibility through value-based work, present-moment awareness and acceptance-based practice
4. To promote a sense of community, belonging and psychological safety within youth groups
5. To create a practical, easy-to-implement mind–body training program that can be adapted to a range of everyday settings for young people, including schools, sports settings, recreational activities and youth work

Hannaleena Ronkainen
PhD, Sports psychologist, Psychoterapist, Project Lead
hannaleena.ronkainen@kihu.fi
p. +358 40 758 3722

Maarit Valtonen
MD, PhD, MCR, Chief Medical Officer
maarit.valtonen@kihu.fi
p. +358 50 590 0268