Presenter(s)

Ca'ron Coleman, Mary Olivia Eyears, Jenna Ito, Dyrenson Wouters

Comments

9:00-10:15, Kennedy Union Ballroom

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Description

College athletes frequently experience fluctuating mental health challenges throughout the sports season due to the physical, emotional, and psychological demands of competition. While sports participation can enhance well-being, pressures related to performance, intensive training, injuries, and external expectations often contribute to anxiety, depression, and burnout. Despite growing awareness, there remains a significant gap in research on how mental health fluctuates across different phases of the sports season and how interventions can be optimized. The purpose of this study is to examine the variations in athlete mental health across pre-season, in-season, and post-season phases, identifying the periods most associated with anxiety, depression, and burnout. Specifically, we aim to test the hypothesis that mental health challenges fluctuate significantly, with heightened stress during in-season competition and increased depressive symptoms post-season due to loss of routine and identity. This study employs a quantitative research approach, collecting primary data through Google Form surveys distributed to athletes at various points in the season. Approximately 80-100 survey responses assessing self-reported burnout, anxiety, and depression levels will be collected. In addition, existing literature on athlete mental health will be reviewed to provide a broader context for understanding these patterns. Statistical analysis, including ANOVA tests and descriptive statistics, will compare mental health trends across the phases. Our findings will contribute to a deeper understanding of seasonal mental health fluctuations in athletes. By identifying critical periods of vulnerability, this research aims to inform targeted interventions by coaches, sports psychologists, and athletic organizations. Enhanced mental health strategies could lead to reduced stigma, improved support systems, and overall better well-being for athletes, ultimately optimizing both performance and quality of life in sports.

Publication Date

4-23-2025

Project Designation

Course Project - HSS 428 M2

Primary Advisor

Daniel F. Yang

Primary Advisor's Department

Health and Sport Science

Keywords

Stander Symposium, School of Education and Health Sciences

Institutional Learning Goals

Scholarship; Practical Wisdom

Navigating Athletes' Mental Health: Challenges Before, During and After the Season

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