College Coaches’ Mental Health Literacy as it Relates to their Student Athletes

Abstract

Over the past decade, mental health has been a growing topic of discussion. Evaluating previous research, young adults, and specifically student athletes, face a variety of stressors in their lives. Student athletes have the responsibility to perform well in school and in their sport while maintaining their own physical and mental wellbeing. The purpose of this synthesis was to review the literature on college coaches’ mental health literacy as it relates to their student athletes. Coaches spend a significant amount of time with their student athletes and are able to recognize certain signs and symptoms of mental ill health. Mental Health Literacy of coaches is imperative to being a source of support to their student athletes. There are numerous variables that influence whether a student athlete seeks help for their mental health issues, however, coaches with a high level of Mental Health literacy are in a better position to ensure their student athletes are taking the necessary steps to seek help. This literature review shows that coaches are in a position to be an initial source of support for their student athletes. Coaches’ with a higher mental health literacy are able to create a more positive, stigma free team environment that promotes help seeking for mental health issues.