Student-Athletes’ Perceptions of Mental Illness and Attitudes Toward Help-Seeking

ABSTRACT

Given that there is evidence that college student-athletes may be at risk for psychological disturbances (Pinkerton, Hintz, & Barrow, 1989), and possibly underutilizing college mental health services (Watson & Kissinger, 2007), the purpose of this study was to examine attitudes toward mental illness and help seeking among college student-athletes compared to college student nonathletes. The roles that athletic identity and gender play in treatment-seeking comfort were examined. Contrary to what was hypothesized, the results showed that student-athletes and nonathletes did not significantly differ in willingness to seek mental health treatment. Student-athletes perceived significantly less discrimination toward individuals based on mental illness status.

KEYWORDS:

• Help-seeking behavior
• stigma
• student-athletes

Acknowledgments

This article was completed based on research compiled to complete the primary author’s doctoral dissertation. A very special thanks goes out to Dr. Otto Wahl, Dr. Britton Brewer, and Dr. William Neace for their never-ending support and guidance throughout this project. Much appreciation must also be given to the athletic directors and corresponding universities that invited this author into their department.