Sidelined by Stigma
Exploring Self-Stigma and Mental Health Help-Seeking Among College Athletes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33043/bkqxgusd562Keywords:
student-athletes, stigma, mental health, Social SupportAbstract
This study explored the factors that promote or hinder student athletes from seeking support when faced with mental health challenges. Guided by self-determination theory and incorporating the Self-Stigma of Seeking Help (SSOSH) scale, survey data from (N=389) collegiate student athletes were analyzed to explore how personal, social, institutional, and cultural factors shape the decisions to seek mental health support. The study found self-stigma is a major barrier. Male athletes reported 13% higher levels of stigma than females, emphasizing the hypermasculine culture of sport. These findings underscore the need for holistic, athlete-centered approaches that not only reduce stigma and increase accessibility to care but also incorporate culturally and gender responsive strategies that will meet the unique mental health needs of college student-athletes.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Susan Cardillo-Cunningham, Brianna Garrison
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