Psychopathological symptoms in soccer referees: the role of psychological inflexibility and perfectionism

Abstract

Background: Refereeing is associated with a high prevalence of mental health issues. Mental health problems are quite common in sport and referees are no exception. In the case of referees, psychological disorders have been associated with a number of factors and lower league officials appear more likely to experience psychological distress compared to their higher league counterparts. Aim: The aim is to analyze the relationship between psychological inflexibility, perfectionism, and psychopathological symptomatology in soccer officials. Method: A cross-sectional, anonymous, online study was conducted. Psychopathological symptoms were assessed using the Symptom Assessment-45 Questionnaire; the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire was used to assess psychological inflexibility; Perfectionism was assessed using the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale. Participants are 156 active main referee (96.8% male), of whom 63.5% are at amateur level and 36.5% at semi-professional/professional level. Results: No significant differences were found between amateur and semi-professional/professional referees in psychological inflexibility and psychopathological symptoms, except for paranoid ideation, where amateurs scored higher. Significant differences were observed in the total scores of maladaptive perfectionism, particularly regarding external influences, with amateurs scoring higher. In adaptive perfectionism, significant differences were noted in both total scores and achievement expectations, with amateurs obtaining higher scores. Psychological inflexibility demonstrated a strong predictive capacity for psychopathological symptoms (β = .716). When maladaptive perfectionism was incorporated in the model, it significantly predicted 17.6% of the variance. Adaptive perfectionism, however, did not significantly predict psychopathological symptomatology. Conclusion: The results suggest that psychological inflexibility and maladaptive perfectionism are good predictors of psychopathological symptoms and mental health in referees. The status of amateur or semi-professional officials does not differentiate them from professional referees in terms of psychological disorders, but it does in terms of perfectionism. With a view to the future, it is important to intervene on these constructs, which are modifiable and facilitate their well-being.