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Depression, Anxiety, and Suicidal Behaviors in a Large-Scale National Survey of Student Athletes versus Non-Athlete College Students: Risk and Protective Factors

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Depression, Anxiety, and Suicidal Behaviors in a Large-Scale National Survey of Student Athletes versus Non-Athlete College Students: Risk and Protective Factors
Language: English
Authors: Olivia Woodson, Ria Rungta, Noelle Bassi Smith, Alicia E. Meuret
Source: Journal of American College Health. 2025 73(6):2596-2604.
Availability: Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 9
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Depression (Psychology), Anxiety, Suicide, Student Athletes, College Athletics, College Students, At Risk Persons, Resilience (Psychology), Mental Health, Health Behavior, Incidence, Racial Differences, Gender Differences, Instructional Program Divisions, Sexual Orientation, Foreign Students, Fraternities, Sororities
DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2024.2317187
ISSN: 0744-8481
1940-3208
Abstract: Objective: This study investigates the prevalence and risk factors of internalizing disorders and suicidal behaviors in student-athletes and their non-athlete peers. Participants: The sample consisted of 223,226 college students (69,404 student-athletes [31.09%]) who participated in the NCHA-ACHA II survey (Fall 2015-2018). Methods: Items from the NCHA-ACHA II were used to assess severity of depression, anxiety, and suicidal behaviors. Chi-squared Test of Independence and multinomial logistic regressions were used to examine self-reported internalizing symptoms, previous diagnosis, previous use of mental health resources, and suicidal behaviors within student-athletes and non-athletes. Results: Findings indicated high rates of internalizing symptoms. Student-athletes, both varsity and intramural/club, displayed decreased odds of internalizing symptoms, self-reported mental health diagnosis, and suicidal behaviors. Conclusions: This study with a national sample expands previous studies showing concerning rates of mental health difficulties, student-athletes demonstrated lower odds. These findings highlight the importance of further research and need for targeted intervention within this population.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1479647
Database: ERIC
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Abstract:Objective: This study investigates the prevalence and risk factors of internalizing disorders and suicidal behaviors in student-athletes and their non-athlete peers. Participants: The sample consisted of 223,226 college students (69,404 student-athletes [31.09%]) who participated in the NCHA-ACHA II survey (Fall 2015-2018). Methods: Items from the NCHA-ACHA II were used to assess severity of depression, anxiety, and suicidal behaviors. Chi-squared Test of Independence and multinomial logistic regressions were used to examine self-reported internalizing symptoms, previous diagnosis, previous use of mental health resources, and suicidal behaviors within student-athletes and non-athletes. Results: Findings indicated high rates of internalizing symptoms. Student-athletes, both varsity and intramural/club, displayed decreased odds of internalizing symptoms, self-reported mental health diagnosis, and suicidal behaviors. Conclusions: This study with a national sample expands previous studies showing concerning rates of mental health difficulties, student-athletes demonstrated lower odds. These findings highlight the importance of further research and need for targeted intervention within this population.
ISSN:0744-8481
1940-3208
DOI:10.1080/07448481.2024.2317187