The aim of the master's thesis was to determine how dual careers affect the mental health of young tennis players, how the period during and after the COVID-19 epidemic affected the balance between sport and school, to examine the factors that influence the effective balance between school and sport from the perspective of mental health and well-being (i.e. dual careers) and to examine whether there are differences in certain dimensions of mental health between those who have the status of talented or elite athlete granted by OKS (Olympic Committee of Slovenia) and those who do not. The study was carried out using an online questionnaire, which was completed in full by 35 young Slovenian tennis players aged between 15 and 18 years. The questionnaire consisted of six sections - demographics, dual career characteristics, mental health and well-being, knowledge of mental health, psychological resilience, life satisfaction and the impact of COVID-19. We found that athletes with status are statistically significantly more psychologically resilient, but at the same time more dissatisfied with their social life. The results show that young talented athletes are more satisfied with their mental health but have higher rates of depressive disorders. On average, all participants found balancing school and sport challenging, and the COVID-19 epidemic had a particularly negative impact on individuals' education. The master thesis contributes to a better understanding and recognition of the advantages and disadvantages of dual careers and their impact on the mental health of young Slovenian tennis players. The work provides a useful starting point for further research in this area.
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