| Title: |
Depression, Anxiety, and Suicidal Behaviors in a Large-Scale National Survey of Student Athletes versus Non-Athlete College Students: Risk and Protective Factors |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Olivia Woodson; Ria Rungta; Noelle Bassi Smith; Alicia E. Meuret |
| Source: |
Journal of American College Health. 2025 73(6):2596-2604. |
| Availability: |
Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
9 |
| Publication Date: |
2025 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Reports - Research |
| Education Level: |
Higher Education; Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: |
Depression (Psychology); Anxiety; Suicide; Student Athletes; College Athletics; College Students; At Risk Persons; Resilience (Psychology); Mental Health; Health Behavior; Incidence; Racial Differences; Gender Differences; Instructional Program Divisions; Sexual Orientation; Foreign Students; Fraternities; Sororities |
| DOI: |
10.1080/07448481.2024.2317187 |
| ISSN: |
0744-8481; 1940-3208 |
| Abstract: |
Objective: This study investigates the prevalence and risk factors of internalizing disorders and suicidal behaviors in student-athletes and their non-athlete peers. Participants: The sample consisted of 223,226 college students (69,404 student-athletes [31.09%]) who participated in the NCHA-ACHA II survey (Fall 2015-2018). Methods: Items from the NCHA-ACHA II were used to assess severity of depression, anxiety, and suicidal behaviors. Chi-squared Test of Independence and multinomial logistic regressions were used to examine self-reported internalizing symptoms, previous diagnosis, previous use of mental health resources, and suicidal behaviors within student-athletes and non-athletes. Results: Findings indicated high rates of internalizing symptoms. Student-athletes, both varsity and intramural/club, displayed decreased odds of internalizing symptoms, self-reported mental health diagnosis, and suicidal behaviors. Conclusions: This study with a national sample expands previous studies showing concerning rates of mental health difficulties, student-athletes demonstrated lower odds. These findings highlight the importance of further research and need for targeted intervention within this population. |
| Abstractor: |
As Provided |
| Entry Date: |
2025 |
| Accession Number: |
EJ1479647 |
| Database: |
ERIC |