Mental Health Services for Canadian University Student-Athletes: An Exploratory Survey

in Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology

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Sara L. Giovannetti University of Toronto

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Jessica R.G. Robertson University of Toronto

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Heather L. Colquhoun University of Toronto

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Cindy K. Malachowski University of Waterloo

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/jcsp.2018-0048
Keywords:
access to care; mental health; student-athlete; survey; university
In Print:
Volume 13: Issue 3
Page Range:
469–485
Restricted access

University student-athletes are equally vulnerable to mental health challenges compared to their non-athlete peers, but they access mental health services with less frequency. This study sought to explore the mental health issues experienced by Canadian student-athletes in order to address the question: how can Canadian universities better meet the mental health needs of student-athletes? An electronic survey was distributed to student-athletes at a large Canadian university. Data from 113 respondents were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Stress and pressure were reported as the most prevalent contributors to mental health issues, and 47% of respondents indicated that there was a time in which they wanted to seek services for their mental health, but chose not to. Respondents identified mental health education for coaches and designating a healthcare professional within the athletic department as beneficial resources. Findings from this study can inform local and national mental health service planning for student-athletes.

Giovannetti, Robertson, and Colquhoun are with the Dept. of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Malachowski is with the School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.

Address author correspondence to Sara Giovannetti at sara.giovannetti@mail.utoronto.ca.
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