Student Athletes and Mental Health Stigma: A Cross-Sectional Study Into The Psychological Distress Among Athletes
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
Clinical Psychology
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Laura Liljequist, Ph.D
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Student athletes face unique psychological pressure as they balance academic responsibilities, athletic performance demands, and social expectations. Despite growing awareness of mental health issues in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), stigma remains a significant barrier to helping athletes receive the best care possible. This cross-sectional study follows Murray State student athletes through four years (2022-2025), compiling 1,141 participants who completed a mental health questionnaire related to perceived psychological distress. Results indicated a decrease in psychological distress from 2022 to 2024. Furthermore, this trend potentially indicates the stigma circulating mental health treatment among athletes. It is worth note, that 2025 saw an increase in psychological distress among athletes, leaving researchers wondering where the trend will lead to in 2026. These findings underscore the potential stigma athletes are apt to face when attempting to balance the push towards positive mental health in their field and the old refusal to acknowledge psychological distress.
Fall Scholars Week 2025
Psychology: Completed Projects
Student Athletes and Mental Health Stigma: A Cross-Sectional Study Into The Psychological Distress Among Athletes
Student athletes face unique psychological pressure as they balance academic responsibilities, athletic performance demands, and social expectations. Despite growing awareness of mental health issues in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), stigma remains a significant barrier to helping athletes receive the best care possible. This cross-sectional study follows Murray State student athletes through four years (2022-2025), compiling 1,141 participants who completed a mental health questionnaire related to perceived psychological distress. Results indicated a decrease in psychological distress from 2022 to 2024. Furthermore, this trend potentially indicates the stigma circulating mental health treatment among athletes. It is worth note, that 2025 saw an increase in psychological distress among athletes, leaving researchers wondering where the trend will lead to in 2026. These findings underscore the potential stigma athletes are apt to face when attempting to balance the push towards positive mental health in their field and the old refusal to acknowledge psychological distress.