Collegiate athlete mental health: Comparing treatment-seeking student-athletes and nonathletes on service utilization, clinical presentation, and outcomes.

Abstract

This study informs the limited findings on student-athlete mental health by comparing student-athletes and nonathletes receiving psychological services at University Counseling Centers (UCCs) on (a) UCC utilization rates, (b) clinical presentations and historical treatment experience, and (c) treatment outcomes. Method: Using naturalistic data from a large practice-research network (PRN) spanning 2017-2019, the following analyses were conducted: paired t-tests to examine UCC utilization rates in aggregate and by athletic division (Aim 1; UCC N = 104 & 110); Nested multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and logistic regression to compare presenting symptomatology and historical treatment experiences (Aim 2; N = 7,730); and Nested Residualized MANOVA and Univariate Nested analysis of variance (ANOVAs) to assess pre-to post-treatment symptom changes (Aim 3; N = 2,563) within and between student-athletes and nonathletes. Results: Compared to nonathletes, student-athletes utilized UCC services at slightly lower rates (i.e., small to moderate effect sizes) overall, though they use services at equal or greater rates within Division I institutions; tended to present with lower levels of distress across several psychological domains; and benefitted equally or more from treatment, particularly in areas of depression, generalized and social anxiety. Conclusions: Study findings provide unique insight on the experiences of treatment-seeking student-athletes by demonstrating a significant, positive responsiveness to treatment, as well as novel comparisons between student-athletes and nonathletes receiving services within UCC settings.

Relationship between Athletic Identity and Stress in Division II College Softball Players

“…For freshmen female swimmers (n = 5), high AI may negatively impact psychological well-being and lead to adverse coping methods (e.g., crying every day; Giacobbi et al, 2004). Across the board, studentathletes may face additional challenges with their mental health (Kilcullen et al, 2022). A strong AI can also be a large source of stress for the student-athlete.…”

“…Furthermore, researchers have suggested that overidentification with AI can lead to destructive behaviors such as anxiety when not exercising, disordered eating, and substance use (Heird & Steinfeldt, 2013). Yet, interventions (e.g., mental skills training and/or clinical mental health counseling) for addressing mental health concerns in student-athlete populations are effective in managing symptoms of anxiety (Fogaca, 2021), burnout and sport satisfaction (Gabana et al, 2017), and overall mental health (Kilcullen et al, 2022).…”