The Level of Mental Health Literacy Among Athletic Staff in Intercollegiate Sport

in Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology

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Philp SullivanBrock University

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Jessica MurphyBrock University

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Mishka BlackerBrock University

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/jcsp.2018-0052
Keywords:
mental health; mental health literacy; sport
In Print:
Volume 13: Issue 3
Page Range:
440–450
Restricted access

Mental health literacy (MHL), the knowledge and attitudes that aid in recognition, management and prevention of mental health issues, could help maintain positive mental health within the athletic community. As coaches and athletic therapists (ATs) frequently and routinely interact with athletes, this study focused on the MHL of these individuals. Eighty participants (24 females, 54 males; 57 coaches, 18 ATs) completed an on-line version of the MHL Scale. Average MHL score was 131.48, which, is relatively equal to scores seen in university students and a general population. No significant difference was detected between coaches and ATs but females reported significantly higher MHL scores than males. There was a significant negative correlation between MHL and total experience. These results have potentially strong clinical ramifications as increased MHL in this context can affect facilitators and barriers towards seeking help in a high-risk population.

Sullivan, Murphy, and Blacker are with the Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, St. Catharirines, Onatario, Canada.

Address author correspondence to Philp Sullivan at phil.sullivan@brocku.ca.
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