Author:
Axton Ruth A.,Crowell Nancy A.,Merenstein Daniel J.
Abstract
AbstractInjury and mental health are prevalent topics in among NCAA Division 1 (DI) student-athletes; however, there is limited literature regarding the impact of injury on student-athletes’ mental health. This study examined the impact of injury on social support and self-stigma and the relationship between athletic identity and self-stigma. A convenience sample survey yielded 101 responses from DI student-athletes. The survey was composed of demographic questions, Sarason Social Support Questionnaire, Self-Stigma for Seeking Self-Help Scale, and Athletic Identity Measurement Scale. There was no significant difference between injured and non-injured athletes in the mean scores of social support (t test p= 0.69) or self-stigma (t test p =0.92). There was a nonsignificant weak correlation between athletic identity and self-stigma. The results reveal that self-stigma is prevalent within this community, with an average score of 23.34 for all respondents. These conclusions can aid mental health professionals in providing support and education to student-athletes.
Publisher
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
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