Perceptions of peer mental health: impact of race and student-athlete status. Issue 2 (12th February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tran, Alisia G. T. T.; Eustice, Kristi L.; Mintert, Jeffrey S.; Lam, Christina K.; Holzapfel, Jenny
• Is Part Of: Journal of American college health. Volume 71:Issue 2(2023)
• Page Start: 626
• Page End: 638
• Publication Date: 2023-02-12
• Subjects: Over-pathologizing -- peer mental health -- race/ethnicity -- student-athletes -- under-pathologizing; 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: 10.1080/07448481.2021.1903477
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0744-8481

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: This study used a multi-faceted methodological approach to examine if peer perceptions of stereotyped student groups' mental health needs varied by target race and student-athlete status. Participants: In Study 1, 502 university students completed an online experiment. Study 2 data were drawn from the American College Health Association (ACHA)-National College Health Assessment ( N = 65, 167) and Healthy Minds Study ( N = 43, 487). Methods: Study 1 participants rated the severity of various mental health concerns for Black non-student-athletes, White non-student-athletes, Black student-athletes, or White student-athletes. Study 2 conceptualized peer perceptions vis-à-vis mental health patterns in national data. Results: Study 1 generally revealed lower perceived severity of mental health concerns for Black non-student-athletes. In contrast, Study 2 patterns revealed more variations across student status groups, including that Black non-student-athletes exhibited relatively high prevalence rates of numerous mental health concerns. Conclusions: Results may suggest mental health under-/over-pathologizing, with implications for training and peer-to-peer mental health interventions.