INDIANAPOLIS — An NCAA survey of student-athletes suggests they are experiencing fewer mental health issues than at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but some demographics showed more improvement than others .
More than 23,000 student-athletes participated in the NCAA Student-Athlete Health and Well-Being Study between September 2022 and June 2023. Data shows mental health issues decreased across all three divisions of the NCAA.
In men’s sports, 17% of respondents reported feeling constantly overwhelmed, compared to 25%, and 16% reported feelings of mental exhaustion, compared to 22%. The most significant declines were among Division I men.
The decreases were smaller among women. The study found that 44% of women’s sports participants reported feeling overwhelmed (up from 47%) and 35% reported feeling mentally exhausted (up from 38%).
As studies conducted in 2020 and 2021 showed, students of color, those identifying on the queer spectrum, and those identifying as transgender or nonbinary once again self-reported health concerns mental health at higher rates.
“As schools continue to enhance their mental health care services while fostering an environment of wellness, student-athletes will continue to reap the benefits of wellness and seeking mental health care,” said Brian Hainline, NCAA chief medical officer. “That being said, we need to better understand the gap in perceived mental health issues between male and female student-athletes.”
The main cause of mental health problems was related to studies, the survey found, while planning for the future, financial worries, gaming time and family worries were also key factors negatively impacting their Mental Health.
Other findings: 40% of female athletes and 54% of male athletes said they would feel comfortable speaking with their coach about mental health issues, a decrease of 9 percentage points for women and 8 for men.
Nearly 70% of all student-athletes reported having trusted people on campus to provide support when needed, although only about 50% reported feeling comfortable seeking support from others. a licensed mental health provider on campus.
The full study will be released next month at the 2024 NCAA Convention in Phoenix.
Overall, student-athletes identified the areas of good nutrition, mental well-being, good sleep, weight management and body image as topics that coaches and coaches administrators should spend more time talking with their student-athletes.
