Collegiate Student-Athlete Mental Health and How it is Supported
Date of Award
Summer 6-20-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Coaching and Athletic Administration
Department
Kinesiology
Abstract
This proposal covered a possible study of how student-athletes at the college level viewed and handled their mental health. The study aimed to examine the supports offered to and used by the athletes on their campuses. If this study had been conducted, it could have provided information that might have led to the addition of positive supports in programs and on campuses, as well as steps toward ending the stigma around mental health. It explored possible methods for conducting the research, who to involve, and who could benefit from it. Past studies that were closely related had mainly focused on Division I athletes, so this study was intended to broaden the scope by surveying athletes from Division I, II, and III. This approach could have helped gain a better understanding of where programs were lacking support and whether those shortcomings were common trends across different levels of NCAA athletics nationwide.