The Examination of the Attitudes and Stigma Toward Mental Health Services Held by Black College Student-athletes and College Nonathletes


Book Description

Author's abstract: The primary purpose of the current study was to examine the differences in attitudes and stigma toward mental health services between Black college student-athletes and college nonathletes. The secondary purpose of the study was to examine any gender difference in attitudes and stigma toward mental health services between Black college student-athletes and college nonathletes. A Mann-Whitney U statistical analysis was used to compare participant results from the three stigma toward mental health services survey measurements (Komiya et al., 2000; Vogel et al., 2006; Vogel et al., 2009). The current study hoped to further advance the literature examining the attitudes and stigma toward mental health services held by racially diverse college student-athlete populations.




Student-athletes' Perceptions of Mental Illness and Attitudes Towards Help-seeking


Book Description

The negative effects of disclosing a history of mental illness and the need for mental health services are well documented in the professional literature (Corrigan, 2005). Being labeled as "mentally ill" can lead to negative stereotypes placed on the individual that lead to prejudice and discrimination (Corrigan, 2004). These negative effects of disclosing psychological disturbances have led to some individuals being hesitant to seek help, even if the individuals or those close to them feel it is needed (Thornicroft, 2006). College students are a vulnerable population due to the likelihood that they will experience their first psychological disturbance during their college years (Eisenberg, Golberstein, & Gollust, 2007), making access to mental health care crucial. College student-athletes may be even more at-risk for certain psychological disturbances, based on their unique demands and environmental stressors they face (Pinkerton, Hintz, & Barrow, 1989). College student-athletes appear to be underutilizing the mental health services available to them on college campuses (Watson & Kissinger, 2007). Prior studies have shown that college student-athletes are less likely to seek out mental health treatment than other college students (Watson, 2005). The purpose of this study was to see whether or not college student-athletes would exhibit more negative attitudes than student-nonathletes towards mental illness. This study also compared the attitudes toward seeking psychological help between athletes and non-athletes (using a measure developed for use with student-athletes and student-nonathletes by Watson, 2005). Scales that measure social distance, perceived devaluation and discrimination towards mental illness were used to operationalize stigma towards mental illness. The scales this study used to measure social distance (Martin et al., 2000) and perceived discrimination towards mental illness (Link, 1987) had never been used before in a student-athlete population. The potential roles that athletic identity, race, and gender play in treatment-seeking comfort were also examined.




The Relationship Between Demographic Characteristics and Stigma Toward Utilizing Mental Health Support Services in College Student-Athletes


Book Description

Current research has suggested that college student-athletes are at an increased risk for experiencing mental illness but utilize mental health support services at a lower rate than the general college student population. Stigma toward mental illness has been identified as a factor that can influence student-athletes' decision to utilize mental health support services. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationships between the demographic variables of socioeconomic status, sport played, class, race and gender and levels of stigma toward mental illness and peers that utilize mental health support services. This study also investigated college student-athletes' perceived attitudes toward the benefits and barriers to utilizing mental health support services. The participants in this study were 141 NCAA student-athletes who completed an online survey assessing stigma and attitudes toward peers that utilize mental health support services. Follow-up interviews were conducted with seven participants to gain a deeper understanding of the salient attitudes toward the benefits and barriers to utilizing mental health support services. Analyses were conducted to identify relationships between demographic variables and high stigma levels. Results indicated that there was a significant relationship between sport played, class, and gender and stigma levels within the sample. Also, qualitative analysis indicated that self-awareness was identified as a perceived benefit to utilizing mental health support services, but mental health illiteracy, fear of being labelled, and stigma were perceived barriers to utilizing mental health support services in this sample. Findings from this study have implications for how college athletic departments deliver effective mental health support programs to their student-athletes.




Black Male College Students' Mental Health


Book Description

This important book explores the intersection between mental health and Black college students, providing a crucial resource for higher education administrators and educators. Chapter authors provide invaluable insights into the experiences, joys, challenges, and the needs of Black male college students grappling with their mental health. Chapters cover the most timely topics such as understanding masculinity, providing meaningful career services, supporting Black male student athletes, confronting stigmas, and supporting Black trans men and transmasculine persons. Full of practical examples and strategies, this contributed volume discusses the ways faculty, administrators, and student affairs educators can support and help Black men to navigate problems stemming from mental health issues to help better facilitate and maximize their success in higher education.




Willingness to Use Mental Health Services, Mental Health Conditions, Substance Use, and Alcohol Consumption of Collegiate Student-Athletes


Book Description

ABSTRACT: Considering tennis star Naomi Osaka and Gymnast phenom Simone Biles’ withdrawal from major competitions, citing mental health concerns, the topic of athlete mental health has been prevalent in social discourse. The current study delves into mental health conditions (MHC) symptoms and risk factors, and compares student-athletes (SAs), non-athletes, and students in different race, sexual orientation, and gender groups while considering the attitudes and behaviors surrounding mental health treatment. Secondary data analysis the National Collegiate Health Assessment II (NCHA-II) were used to compare willingness to use mental health services and MHC risk factors, substance and alcohol use. Those reportedly “unwilling” to use mental health services also reported fewer MHCs, substance, and alcohol use. SAs reported being less likely to use mental health services and more likely to leave a current diagnosis untreated. Indigenous students reported much higher rates of MHC and suicidal tendencies than the sample. LGBTQ+ SAs reported lower frequency of most risk factors than LGBTQ+ non-athletes. Training for coaches and athletic trainers as well as targeted athletic department programming is recommended.




Examining the Influence of Religious Attitudes, Acceptance of Change, and Cultural Mistrust on the Utilization of Therapy for African American Male College Students Utilizing Therapy


Book Description

Cultural mistrust and fear of potential racism from people in the medical profession may be contributing to a noted disdain for mental health counseling among African American men. The purpose of this study was designed to gain insight into how attitudes toward religious help-seeking, acceptance of change, cultural mistrust, and mental health stigma impact therapy utilization among African American male college students. The review of literature explored the theoretical frameworks followed by the historical perspective, epigenetics, family structure, masculinity concept and help-seeking behaviors, noting barriers, fear, stigmas, spiritual influence, and economic hardships. Acceptance of change-evolving action is not currently endorsed by male African American college students. This appears to be due to attitudes, cultural competence, mistrust, risks, and misunderstanding of potential benefits to therapy utilization. The information examined in the literature review provided a foundational framework for understanding the impact of barriers on African American male college students regarding utilization of therapy. Although there have been awareness efforts, prompted by the federal government and the counseling community, the problem of underutilization continues. A quantitative correlational study was conducted to explore if religious help seeking, acceptance of change, cultural mistrust and mental health stigma have a connection to decreased therapy utilization. The study significance focuses on minimizing barriers to therapy utilization while increasing understanding concerning the benefits of its use. The significance of the study is designed to influence health care outcomes and disparities. The methods and procedures used in this research are presented in eight sections: (a) overview, (b) design, (c) research questions, (d) hypotheses, (e) participants, (f) instrument, (g) data collection, and (h) summary.




Stigma, Self-concealment, and Mentoring Relationships' Effect on Help-seeking Attitudes of African American College Students


Book Description

Research has shown that the African American community underuses professional mental health services and has generally more negative attitudes toward seeking help for mental health challenges than their European American counterparts. Stigma surrounding mental illness and the desire to keep challenges secret from others are two factors that have received much attention in the literature examining this phenomenon (Mishra, Lucksted, Gioia, Barnet, & Baquet, 2009; Thompson, Bazile, & Akbar, 2004; Larson & Chastain, 1990; Cramer, 1999). Further, social support has also been linked to help-seeking attitudes in the African American community, (Pickard, Inoue, Chadiha, & Johnson, 2011; Constantine, Wilton, & Caldwell, 2003). The current study assessed help-seeking attitudes, mental health stigma, self concealment, stigmatizing attitudes towards mental health and mentoring experience in 123 African American/Black college students. Mental health stigma, self-concealment, mentoring experience, and help-seeking attitudes demonstrated statistically significant bivariate correlations in expected directions. Further, a linear multiple regression analysis revealed stigma and self-concealment to be mediators in the relationship between mentoring and help-seeking attitudes. Finally, differences were discovered between mentoring type and mentoring experience. Students with both informal and formal mentors had the best mentoring experience in comparison to students with neither or informal mentor. Results from the current study further support the idea that mentoring relationships play a role in reducing stigma and self-concealment, which contribute to better help-seeking attitudes for African American college students. The importance of mentoring relationships to variables related to better well-being are discussed.




Mental Health Service Usage by Students Attending an Historically Black College


Book Description

The advent of a changing world market and global economy has intensified the pressure experienced by today's college students. Competition for jobs, admittance into graduate school programs, and membership into prestigious honor societies led Dr. Richard Kadison, chief of mental health services at Harvard University and author of "College of the Overwhelmed" to indicate that nearly 50% of college students are likely to suffer some degree of depression while enrolled in college (Rose Williams, 2006). Of these students, African American college students demonstrate low rates of seeking mental health assistance for their psychological distress. The issues cited most frequently for these low rates of assistance include "mistrust of White therapists, attitudes toward mental health problems, and African American spirituality" (So, Gilbert, & Romero, 2005, pg 806). The present study examined samples of predominantly African American students collected at a Historically Black College/University (HBCU). Through utilization of the College Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Psychosocial Issues Inventory, the present study examined the trend of students attending a HBCU and their endorsement of mental health seeking attitudes. Results demonstrated that the attitudes toward obtaining mental health assistance have decreased among students classified as freshmen and sophomore, but demonstrated a notable increase amongst juniors and seniors. (Contains 7 tables.).




Student Services for Athletes


Book Description

This issue provides critical information on the trends that are affecting athletic programs - and presents practical strategies and insights for ensuring a positive college experience for all student athletes. The authors explore a full range of important issues, including the ongoing impact of Title IX, the integration of student athletes into on-campus residence halls, the college experience for minority athletes, and the expansion of opportunities for women athletes. They present current research in psychosocial and cognitive developmental theories and provide models of successful enrollment and student services programs for assisting student athletes during their college career and beyond. The authors also review the evolution of college sports, including the relevant terms and definitions of this field, and examine the personal and environmental factors that shape a student athlete's college experience. As a training resource for student services professionals, this volume is also ideal for use in the classroom.This is the 93rd issue of the Jossey-Bass series New Directions for Student Services.