Coach Support of High School Student-Athletes Struggling With Anxiety or Depression

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Emily Kroshus Seattle Children’s Research Institute
University of Washington

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Sara P.D. Chrisman Seattle Children’s Research Institute
University of Washington

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David Coppel University of Washington

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Stanley Herring University of Washington

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/jcsp.2018-0004
In Print:
Volume 13: Issue 3
Page Range:
390–404
Restricted access

This study sought to identify factors that influence whether coaches support athletes struggling with depression and anxiety. Participants were U.S. public high school coaches who completed a written survey assessing their experiences, attitudes, and behaviors related to student-athlete mental health (n = 190 coaches, 92% response rate). Around two-thirds of coaches were concerned about mental health issues among the students they coached. They were more likely to extend help to a struggling athlete if they were aware of their school’s mental health plan and had greater confidence related to helping, including feeling confident in their ability to identify symptoms of mental health disorders. Mental health professionals, including sport psychologists who work with or consult with coaches, are well positioned to help provide coaches with the education necessary to be able to support and encourage care seeking by athletes who are struggling with anxiety or depression.

Kroshus and Chrisman are with the Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA; the Dept. of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA; and the Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, Seattle, WA. Coppel and Herring are with the Dept. of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Herring is also with the Dept. of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA; and the Dept. of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.

Address author correspondence to Emily Kroshus at ekroshus@uw.edu.

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