Communcation methods that support female student-athletes' mental health in the Power 5 conference
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This study seeks to shed light on the mental health struggles of female student-athletes in the Power 5 conferences and their use of communication methods to cope with these challenges, with the potential to inform and benefit the NCAA and the broader community of student-athletes. The study addresses the gap in existing research with semi structured interviews with recent female student-athlete graduates who competed in the Power 5 conferences to gain insights into their experiences. The findings included the importance of the challenges in Power 5 college athletics, effective communication and support system, communication barriers, and social media's role in student athletes' mental health. Furthermore, the findings highlight the need for a holistic approach to address issues ranging from coach-athlete relationships, gender-specific needs, academic-athletic balance, injury management, body image concerns, performance expectations, team dynamics, identity development, and diversity and inclusion. Implementing the suggested practices can contribute to a more supportive and positive environment, allowing these student-athletes to thrive both in their sports and personal lives.
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M.A.