Virtual Mindfulness-based Interventions and College Athlete Mental Health
A Narrative Review and Implications for Sport Social Work Practice
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33043/ga9ccxx6k5gAbstract
The mental health and well-being of college athletes have been increasingly identified as critical concerns. The literature suggests that in-person mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are an effective treatment option to support performance, as well as mental health outcomes of college athletes. Though, it is not clear if virtually delivered MBIs are just as effective. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of virtual MBIs compared to that of in-person MBIs on mental health outcomes among college athletes. A literature review was conducted between January 23 and August 23 of 2025. Searches were made via EBSCO of [Author affiliation blinded for review]. Gray literature was consulted to obtain supplementary statistics and information on college athletes’ mental health. The findings posit that in-person MBIs are effective in addressing mental health outcomes of college athletes. However, there appear to be gaps, as well as contradictions in the existing literature regarding the efficacy of the modality in which MBIs are delivered. Thus, it could not be concluded that virtual MBIs are just as effective as in-person MBIs on mental health outcomes among college athletes. The findings suggest that further research is needed to better understand the efficacy of virtual MBIs compared to in-person MBIs on mental health outcomes among college athletes.
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