Stigmas and Stereotypes: Counseling Services for Student-Athletes

Abstract

Current trends indicate that a rising number of students seek counseling services because of severe psychological problems (). Unfortunately, it is argued that stereotypes and stigmas continue to play an important role deterring students from seeking professional help. In this study, we focus on student-athletes as a population of interest, and examine their attitudes towards counseling services through the use of quantitative survey methodology. Subscale scores on Fischer and Turner’s instrument, Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale (ATSPPHS), were measured with a sample of 258 college students enrolled at a midsized southeastern university. The purpose of this article is to enhance readers’ understanding of student-athletes attitudes towards counseling services and the student-athlete experience as a whole. Potential explanations for the findings and implications for college counselors on how to enhance services for student athletes are provided.

Keywords:

• Student-Athletes
• Stigmas
• Mental-Health
• College Counseling