Citation

Kroshus E, Davoren AK. J. Am. Coll. Health 2016; 64(5): 371-379.

Affiliation

National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07448481.2016.1158179

PMID

26943646

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Assess the mental health and substance use of sexual minority collegiate student-athletes in the United States, as compared to heterosexual college students and heterosexual student-athletes. PARTICIPANTS: Undergraduate students (n = 196,872) who completed the American College Health Association's National College Health Assessment (Fall 2008-Fall 2012 administrations).

METHODS: Written cross-sectional survey.

RESULTS: Sexual minority student-athletes had a higher risk of experiencing mental health difficulties than their heterosexual athlete peers. There were no significant differences in mental health between sexual minority male athletes and non-athletes. Sexual minority female athletes appeared to fare better than non-athlete peers. Substance use was greater among sexual minority students (athlete and non-athlete) and was mediated by mental health.

CONCLUSIONS: Participation in athletics does not appear to be associated with an elevated risk of negative mental health outcomes for sexual minority participants; however, there are disparities in mental health outcomes by sexual orientation regardless of athletics participation.

Language: en