Student‐Athletes and Mental Health Experiences

Abstract

Mental illness is a growing issue for college student‐athletes. This chapter discusses the prevalence of mental health problems on college campuses, as well as some of the most common concerns for student‐athletes and barriers associated with underutilization of mental health resources. The chapter concludes with recommendations for student‐athlete services.

A Social Ecological Framework: Counselors' Role in Improving Student Athletes' Help‐Seeking Behaviors

“…Although this may be generally true when it comes to physical health, it is not the case for all student athletes, and not true about their mental health (Etzel et al, 2006; Fletcher et al, 2012). Although participation in organized sports has many documented benefits (Beauchemin, 2012; G. T. Brown, 2014), student athletes face social isolation, identity conflict, career/vocational issues, and fear of failure and success (Ryan et al, 2018). Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that student athletes' demands increase their risk for experiencing certain mental and physical distress (e.g., eating disorders, anxiety, depression, overtraining, substance use; G. T. Brown, 2014; Gulliver et al, 2012; López & Levy, 2013).…”

“…Researchers have found that student athletes are more susceptible than their nonathlete peers to certain mental health concerns given the intensive demands associated with being a collegiate athlete (G. T. Brown, 2014; Cosh & Tully, 2015). More specifically, student athletes are at a greater risk than their nonathlete counterparts of experiencing mental health problems such as substance use (particularly alcohol use) and social anxiety (Ryan et al, 2018). For example, Wolanin et al (2016) found that 19% of their student‐athlete participants ( N = 465) had alcohol misuse concerns and 34% struggled with anxiety or depression.…”

“…For example, Wolanin et al (2016) found that 19% of their student‐athlete participants ( N = 465) had alcohol misuse concerns and 34% struggled with anxiety or depression. The four most prevalent mental health problems student athletes experience are anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and substance use (Ryan et al, 2018).…”

Tackling Difficult Conversations: Student-Athletes, Mental Health, and Emerging Technology

“…"Direct stressors (for example, time demands, performance pressures, coaching style); interactions with others in their environment that encourage risk behaviors and discourage individuals from seeking help; harassment and discrimination related to personal characteristics such as race/ethnicity or sexual orientation; and exposure to interpersonal or sexual violence" (Kroshus, 2014, p. 73) play a role. In addition to the growth of social media, which allows many to interact with student-athletes directly, these stressors result in an increase in stress and leave many feeling vulnerable (Eisenberg, Lipson, & Posselt, 2016;Kroshus, 2014;Ryan, Gayles, & Bell, 2018). Many of the stressors student-athletes face can be mitigated with effective communication.…”

Factors associated with coach–athlete conversations about mental health in intercollegiate sport

“…7 In addition to psychological distress, many mental illnesses have been identified as highly prevalent within the athletic population. 8–10 Anxiety and depression are among the most common mental health disorders with approximately 30% of student–athletes reporting insurmountable difficulties during the past month and almost 25% reporting clinically relevant levels of depressive symptoms. 11 , 12…”