Examination of Factors Impacting the Stigmatization and Attitudes Towards and Self-Reported Utilization of Mental Health Resources in Division I Collegiate Athletes

College-aged student-athletes tend to have a higher prevalence of mental illness but also have low rates of mental health resource utilization. Stigmatization of mental health, especially a negative attitude and poor past experiences, deter student-athletes from utilizing these resources. Objective: Understand factors influencing student-athlete stigmatization and utilization of mental health resources. Methods: Demographics, stigma, depression, anxiety, attitudes toward mental health resource utilization, perception of care, and care-seeking behaviors were measured. Results: With multivariate linear regressions, knowledge was found to be significantly associated with mental health stigma. The relationship between perceived control and mental health stigma was significant. A significant correlation was found between self-reported mental health resource utilization and previous mental health history. Mental health resource utilization was significantly associated with mental health stigma. Conclusions: By increasing knowledge, perceived control, and encouraging use of mental health resources, we can help decrease mental health stigma and better treat mental health issues.Master of Art