Under the face mask: Racial-ethnic minority student-athletes and mental health use. Issue 2 (17th February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ballesteros, Jorge; Tran, Alisia G. T. T.
• Is Part Of: Journal of American college health. Volume 68:Issue 2(2020)
• Page Start: 169
• Page End: 175
• Publication Date: 2020-02-17
• Subjects: Mental health services -- student-athletes -- racial-ethnic minorities; College students -- Health and hygiene -- United States -- Periodicals; College students -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; College students -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Universities and colleges -- Health promotion services -- Periodicals; 362.10883781980973
• DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2018.1536663
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0744-8481

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To investigate racial-ethnic minority student-athletes' (REMSA) symptoms of distress (mental health need), mental health use (usage rate), and factors that influence mental health usage. Participants: There were 241 varsity athletes (African American = 108, Latinos = 66, Asian American= 67) from the American College Health Association Fall 2015 data set. Results: Seventy-eight percent of REMSA reported some form of mental health need and only 11% of these athletes in need reported using mental health services in the past year. Additionally, a binominal logistic regression was run to identify demographic and mental health predictors of mental health use. Higher stress ( β = 1.58, OR = 3.49, p < .01) and having upperclassman standing ( β = 1.07, OR = 3.91, p < .05) predicted service use for athletes. Conclusions: Mental health professionals should be aware of the high mental health need for REMSA and the low usage rate of mental health services.