A new survey of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) student athletes reveals that nearly 2 in 5 have grappled with suicidal thoughts. The study, published in the journal Behavioral Sciences, highlights the mental health struggles faced by college athletes.
Researchers surveyed 78 student-athletes across NCAA Division I, II, and III universities. They found that 40% of respondents reported experiencing suicidal thoughts. Despite this, only 36% had received any suicide prevention training during their college years.
Athletes Seek Support from Peers and Family
When dealing with mental health issues, athletes often turn to their teammates and family members for support. According to the survey, 47% cited teammates as their primary source of support, while 41% relied on parents or guardians.
Lead researcher Allison Bond, an assistant professor at Rutgers University, emphasized the importance of providing athletes with the necessary tools to address these challenges. Bond said, “But that means we have to give teams the tools to respond to these crises, and they have to have the opportunity to follow up.”
Unique Pressures Faced by College Athletes
College athletes face numerous pressures, including high expectations from coaches and fans, demanding travel schedules, and concerns about scholarships and financial deals. The rise of legalized sports betting has further exacerbated these stresses, with 1 in 3 high-profile athletes reporting threats or abusive messages from gamblers.
Bond, a former student-athlete herself, highlighted the impact of online harassment on young athletes. “These are 19-, 20-year-old kids. How are we equipping them to respond to that hate? How are they mentally coping with that while they’re still trying to pass classes and do well in school?” she said.
The survey also revealed that 86% of athletes believe the NCAA should mandate mental health services and suicide prevention training for all student-athletes.
Call for Cultural Change in Athletic Departments
Researchers argue that mental health care must be integrated into the overall college athlete experience. Bond stated, “A one-time training is going to have a really hard time moving the needle on stigma.” She advocates for a cultural shift within athletic departments to prioritize mental well-being.
The study’s findings echo previous research, which identified suicide as the second-leading cause of death among NCAA athletes. High-profile cases, such as the deaths of Madison Holleran and Katie Meyer, have brought national attention to this issue.
For more information on this topic, visit the University of Washington’s resources on college athletes and mental health.