Program

Athletic Training M.S.

Number of Pages

64

Year Approved

2022

First Advisor

Osgood, Chad

Second Reader

;

Abstract

The mental aspects of an injury are what typically go unseen. Injuries often cause psychological distress among injured athletes such as depression and anxiety. Social support can assist in combating mental health distress associated with athletic injury. To determine if social support will decrease depression and anxiety symptoms in collegiate athletes suffering time loss injuries compared to athletes with minimal perceived social support from their athletic trainers. Of the 18 articles reviewed, there were 6 cross-sectional studies, 4 cohort studies, 3 systematic reviews, 3 non-randomized controlled trials, 1 randomized controlled trial, and 1 qualitative study. The articles were analyzed using a matrix format and were evaluated with the CASP tool. Ten of the eighteen articles supported the positive effect social support has on athletes with anxiety and/or depression symptoms from time-loss injuries. Social support can be supported in the idea it helps decrease depression and anxiety in time-loss injuries. A need for more collaboration between athletic training staff and the athlete health network with behavioral health services for the holistic well-being of each patient. Repeated assessments of athlete mental health are beneficial to see mental health changes, especially post-injury and through recovery.

Degree Name

Athletic Training M.S.

Document Type

Masterʼs thesis

Share

COinS