The Stigma Surrounding Mental Health Disorders in Collegiate Athletes: A Synthesis of the Research Literature

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