Factors That Lead to the Decline of Mental Health Among Collegiate Athletes and Tools Administrators Can Use to Better Support Them

Author

Abreanna Lake, Dominican University of CaliforniaFollow

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Graduation Year

2023

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Counseling Psychology

Program Director

Carlos Molina

First Reader

Carlos Molina

Second Reader

Mary McDevitt

Abstract

This paper is an exploration of the athletic community that uncovers how stigma, pressure to perform well, and external factors all contribute to the stagnant relationship between athletes and mental health. With stigma being a major influence in inhibiting athletes from feeling comfortable; it has led to college athletes navigating their emotional distress by themselves in order to maintain their image of being indestructible and indomitable. This vulnerable population having to struggle in silence has led to depression, anxiety, substance abuse, disordered eating, and suicidality in some college athletes. Luckily, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and a few college institutions have come up with tools to help college athletes who are struggling with their mental health. With stigma slowly losing control of the narrative, there has been a gradual change within the athletic community. At each institution, it is the responsibility of the administrators to ensure that each athlete has the best possible experience while attending their school. The tools and interventions in this paper can be the difference in maintaining a positive student-athlete experience until they graduate.