A Program to Reduce Stigma Toward Mental Illness and Promote Mental Health Literacy and Help-Seeking in NCAA Division I Student-Athletes

Student-athletes are susceptible to mental health problems that disrupt optimal functioning and well-being. Despite having many protective factors, student-athletes represent an at-risk subgroup of college students who experience mental health concerns due to the distress of balancing multiple obligations (Wieland et al., 2018). However, many student-athletes underutilize psychological services (Eisenberg, 2014). Stigma is the main barrier preventing student-athletes from seeking help, and mental health literacy (MHL) interventions addressing knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders have traditionally been used to destigmatize mental illness. This study investigated the impact of a 4-week program on stigma, MHL, and attitudes and intentions toward seeking help with 33 NCAA Division I student-athletes. The program comprised four science-based interventions—MHL, empathy, counter stereotyping, and contact—delivered face-to-face within a group setting. MHL, attitudes toward seeking help, and intentions to seek counseling improved from pre-intervention to post-intervention and to 1-month follow-up. Self-stigma reduced from pre-intervention to post-intervention.