Key result
Collegiate athletic staff can play a crucial role in preventing student-athlete suicide by being trained to recognize risk factors and warning signs, and by fostering social connectedness.
Why the study?
Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among college student athletes, who may not see mental health professionals but routinely interact with campus athletic staff.
This paper provides an overview of suicide risk factors and warning signs in intercollegiate athletes and offers best practices for athletic staff to proactively prevent student athlete suicide.
Supports athletic staff training for suicide prevention in student-athletes; leaves open efficacy of specific programs pending prospective trials.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for 18-24 years (Curtin & Heron, 2018). Suicide is the 4th leading cause of death among college student athletes (Rao et al., 2015). While not all student athletes will be seen by mental health professionals, all student athletes interact with their campus athletic staff: athletic trainers, coaches, etc. This paper provides an overview of the risk factors and warning signs suicidal student athletes may exhibit and offers resources and best practices for athletic staff to be informed and proactive in preventing student athlete suicide.
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Bender et al. (2022) conducted a review in Suicide risk and mental health. Suicide prevention training and awareness was evaluated. Collegiate athletic staff can play a crucial role in preventing student-athlete suicide by being trained to recognize risk factors and warning signs, and by fostering social connectedness.
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