Resilience to Failure and Mental Health in Elite Athletes: Psychological and Structural Perspectives

Purpose: This study explores how resilience to failure influences mental health and career sustainability among elite athletes in South Korea. While previous research has examined failure and self-efficacy, limited attention has been given to the role of structural and cultural factors in shaping athletes’ failure perception and recovery. Research design, data, and methodology: Using a qualitative case study approach, this study employs thematic analysis to examine semi-structured interviews with ten elite athletes from individual and team sports. Results: The findings reveal three key insights. First, failure is perceived not only as a performance setback but also as a threat to identity, increasing anxiety and psychological distress. Second, resilience serves as a protective factor for athletes’ mental health, shaped by both psychological and social resources; highly resilient athletes reframe failure as a learning opportunity, while those with low resilience experience self-doubt and emotional strain. Third, social support and autonomy-supportive coaching enhance resilience and well-being, whereas hierarchical and performance-driven environments reinforce fear of failure. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the need for systematic psychological support, coaching strategies, and organizational policies that foster resilience and normalize failure as part of athletic growth, ultimately promoting athlete well-being and career longevity.