The aim of the study is to identify the psychological factors associated with the autodestructive tendencies of highly qualified athletes, and based on them to develop an empirical model and practical recommendations for sports psychologists, as well as substantiate practical recommendations for the professional activities of sports psychologists. The relevance of the study is due to the development of specific forms of psychological vulnerability in the sports environment, which can be normalized or ignored and, therefore, remain outside the scope of timely psychological intervention.

The methodological basis of the research was the theoretical methods of analysis, systematization and generalization of scientific sources on the problems of sports psychology, personality psychology and self-regulation. The empirical methods used were psychodiagnostic methods aimed at studying the individual characteristics of athletes, the motivational sphere and the features of emotional regulation, as well as methods of psychological observation and semi-structured interviews. As a result of the research, an empirical model of the psychological portrait of an athlete with a high level of self-destructive tendencies was developed, including personal, emotional-regulatory, motivational-value and behavioral components. Depending on the specifics of the sports environment and the organization of the educational process, the main risk factors and protective factors are identified. The characteristic features of motivation, self-regulation and behavioral strategies that affect the stability of athletes' psychological work are revealed.

It is concluded that the autodestructive tendencies of athletes are most often manifested in socially approved forms of athletic behavior and require comprehensive psychological support. The effective work of a sports psychologist should be aimed at developing adaptive strategies for self-regulation, emotional competence, and the formation of a stable self-esteem that does not depend solely on athletic performance.