36th Annual Student Research Conference
Athlete's Mental Health Status Related To Multi-Sport Athletes: A Retrospective Study
Kira Burgin♦* and Marcus Jessen♦
Dr. Brandy Schneider, Faculty Mentor
Multi-sport high school athletes may experience adverse effects on their mental health due to the pressures of winning, academics, and other influences. The purpose of the study is to determine if being a multi-sport athlete negatively affects one's mental health and to determine if there is a psychological need for athletes to participate in multiple sports within a year. Methods: Twenty-seven collegiate athletes completed a retrospective survey regarding perceptions of stressors and mental health while participating in multiple sports in high school. Results: Sixty-two percent of participants stated that they felt a psychological need to participate in year round athletics. Participants reported feeling that they did not have any social relationships outside of athletics due to the demands of the sports. Conclusion: Being a multisport athlete in high school may lead to high stress situations that can be detrimental to one’s overall health.
Keywords: multi-sport, athlete, collegiate, mental health, sports, athletics, high school, retrospective
Topic(s):Athletic Training
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Session: 104-3
Location: SUB Georgian Room C
Time: 9:00
♦ Indicates Truman Graduate Student