The role of psychological distress and sport participation on help-seeking among university student athletes

Student athletes are considered less likely to seek help than non-athlete students despite comparable rates of mental health difficulties. However, recent findings suggest certain variables may influence these differences. The present study used a secondary analysis of a national sample of university students to explore the role of psychological distress on help-seeking among student athletes and non-athlete students. Results indicate student athletes are less likely to consider help-seeking than non-athlete students. However, the association of psychological distress and help-seeking intention did not differ across level of sport participation. Unique predictors among student athletes indicate that athletes who are in fourth year and above, had previously sought help, or were experiencing greater psychological well-being demonstrated increased help-seeking intention. Psychological distress was associated with reduced intention. This study expands upon the growing body of student athlete help-seeking research and reinforces the importance of investigating strategies to better support this unique population.