IMPLEMENTING A MENTAL WELLNESS SCREENING TOOL TO INCREASE FOCUS ON MENTAL HEALTH IN DIVISION I COLLEGIATE ATHLETICS

Abstract

Mental health has become an issue of importance in society over the past decade. Mental health diagnoses do not discriminate and have been shown to be an area in need of attention especially for young adults. Student athletes are not immune to issues related to mental health. Balancing academics and the demands of being a collegiate student athlete can be a daunting task. It is not uncommon for issues of mental health issues to emerge and affect the academic and/or athletic performance of a student athlete. There is literature to support implications of mental health wellness with the performance of student athletes. The study aims to determine the current feeling of competence and level of coping of student athletes at a large university in a mid-eastern state in the United States. This study may have practical implications for coaches, administrators, and athletic trainers working with college athletes in comparable contexts. Policies and procedures to enhance the overall wellness of student athletes will be proposed based on the analysis of the pertinent data.