Student-athletes endure rigorous schedules, intense pressure, and significant physical and mental strain, all while being expected to show no signs of weakness. This high-stakes environment can exacerbate mental health challenges (Harris Rice et al, 2016 Beebe & Petrie, 2024). This study employs an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach to explore the lived experiences and perceptions of professionals working with student-athletes at select FBS Division I non-autonomous athletic programs regarding their programs’ ability to meet the NCAA’s mental health best practice recommendations. Representatives from eight of the twelve Mid-American Conference (MAC) athletic programs, all with expertise in their institutions’ mental health resources, participated in semi-structured interviews. Through IPA’s in-depth analysis, the findings reveal that while these programs provide essential mental health support, resource constraints hinder full adherence to key best practices. To address these challenges, this study offers budget-conscious recommendations aimed at strengthening mental health services and enhancing student-athlete well-being.
Grace Louis (Wed,) studied this question.