FEATURED RESEARCH
Strength Beyond the Playing Field: Exploring Protective Factors for Mental Health in College Athletes
By Susan Cardillo-Cunningham, DSW, LCSW – Southern Connecticut State University
Methods and Materials
A quantitative research design was used to explore student athletes’ perceptions of mental health support. Methods included demographic surveys, assessment scales (PSOSH and SSOSH), and spiritual support rankings collected via Qualtrics.
Data Analysis
The data set was analyzed using SPSS 27, ensuring robust univariate and regression procedures. Q-Q plots confirmed the assumption of normality, allowing for evidence-driven conclusions regarding student welfare and support themes.
Insights & Findings
Gender Disparity: Male athletes reported a 13% higher rate of self‑stigma compared to female athletes in seeking care.
Injury Vulnerability: Athletes identified as injured reported a 15% higher rate of self‑stigma and anxiety risks.
Perception Link: Athletes with high self‑stigma were 25% more likely to perceive significant societal judgment for help-seeking.
Discussion
Internalized stigma creates a barrier that judges help-seeking as weakness. Institutions must enhance autonomy and relatedness to foster environments where seeking clinical support is normalized and encouraged.
Conclusions
Student-athletes face unique pressures. Normalizing mental health care and emphasizing protective factors are essential steps for empowering athletes to prioritize their wellness without fear of stigma.
Susan Cardillo-Cunningham, DSW, LCSW
Southern Connecticut State University
Email: cardillocus1@southernct.edu
Cardillo-Cunningham, S. (2025). By Choice or Circumstance: Supporting College Athletes Transitioning Out of Sport. Sport Social Work Journal. https://doi.org/10.33043/rc7x74cq
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Featured Article
Strength Beyond the Playing Field: Exploring Protective Factors for Mental Health
By Susan Cardillo‑Cunningham, DSW, LCSW – Southern Connecticut State University
Methods and Materials
A quantitative research design explored student athletes’ perceptions of mental health support. Data were collected via Qualtrics and measured demographic traits, standardized stigma scales, and supportive networks.
- PSOSH and SSOSH Stigma Scales
- Ranking of Social Support Networks
- Assessments of Protective Factors
- Reflections on Mental Health Normalization
Data Analysis
SPSS 27 was used for univariate and regression analysis. All data satisfied assumptions for normality and variance (Durbin-Watson 1.97, VIF below 2.5), supporting robust scholarly conclusions.
Results
Self-Stigma (SSOSH): Male athletes reported a 13% higher rate of self‑stigma. Injured athletes showed 15% higher self‑stigma, indicating a critical need for focused support systems.
Societal Stigma (PSOSH): High self-stigma increased the likelihood of perceived societal judgment by 25%. Male athletes with high self-stigma reported 17% higher perceived judgment.
Discussion
The findings identify a strong link between internalized stigma and perceived societal barriers. Fostering autonomy and relatedness within athletic environments could mitigate these effects and improve help-seeking behavior.
Conclusions
Stigma remains the primary hurdle for collegiate athletes. Normalizing mental health care and emphasizing protective factors are essential steps for institutions seeking to empower their athletes.
Contact
Susan Cardillo‑Cunningham, DSW, LCSW
Southern Connecticut State University
Email: cardillocus1@southernct.edu
Official Resource
Cardillo-Cunningham, S. (2025). By Choice or Circumstance: Supporting College Athletes Transitioning Out of Sport. Sport Social Work Journal.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33043/rc7x74cq
