Ninth International Conference on Sport & Society

Abstract

Clinical mental health disciplines such as sport psychiatry and clinical sport psychology are receiving increased attention in scholarly research. Student-athletes, from NCAA Division I universities, have complex life circumstances that can lead to psychopathological symptoms. These circumstances present stressors unique to athletes who, unlike the general student body, are immersed in both advanced academics and high-level athletics. Since onset of certain psychological disorders could occur during this time, it may be difficult for mental health professionals to appropriately recognize and diagnose student-athletes’ clinical psychological conditions. The reluctance to accept personal mental disorder may be difficult, and presents another challenge for health professionals to providing care for student-athletes. Also, the nature of elite college athletics and the socially perceived attributes required to participate within this culture may contribute to deterrents toward treatment. This presentation represents a thesis study in progress examining the life circumstances of students in Division I sports and how they may contribute to clinical difficulties experienced by mental health professionals from the perspective of clinicians working in collegiate athletics. The qualitative data will be collected by using semi-structured interviews and analyzed by extracting major themes. The results could contribute to adjustments in future treatment approaches.