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The Stigma Surrounding Mental Health Disorders in Collegiate Athletes: A Synthesis of the Research Literature
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2021-12-23
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Abstract
Mental health issues are a growing problem for many individuals. For student-athletes, the
stigma that comes from seeking help is especially difficult. Student-athletes fall under three
subgroups this being “emerging adults” ages 18-24, second enrolled in secondary education and
third student-athletes compete in high-level sport adding unique stressors their non-athletic peers
do not have. Each one has its own risk for developing a mental health issue. As student-athletes,
they are under more stress than their non-athletic counterparts. Research has shown that public
and personal stigmas plays a key role in why individuals will not seek help. Primary reasons for
not seeking therapy are the stigmas of being seen when seeking counseling, and others assuming
an underlying personal weakness not expected of athletes. Researchers are beginning to measure
these stressors, identify factors involved with stigmas, and understand help-seeking. With the use
of new emerging computer technologies, student-athletes are being offered specialized
interactive software programs to combat stigmas and allow a safe environment so that anonymity
is not compromised. Athletic staffs are slowly becoming more involved in mental health issues
and should receive mental health training to assist their athletes. The purpose of this synthesis
was to investigate the role that stigmas have on mental health issues with student-athletes