A RETROSPECTIVE LOOK AT SELF-REPORTED MENTAL HEALTH PREVALENCE IN DIVISION III STUDENT-ATHLETES

Author

• Jacob F. Neri, Otterbein UniversityFollow

ORCID

0009-0008-5205-6336

Date of Award

Spring 5-3-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Post-Professional Athletic Training (MSAH)

First Committee Member

Dr. Paige Ciminello

Advisor

Dr. Ally B. Smith

Second Committee Member

Angelo Lamatrice

Third Committee Member

Danielle Kilboy

Keywords

Mental Health, NCAA, Division III, Anxiety, Depression, Student-Athletes

Subject Categories

Higher Education | Other Mental and Social Health | Sports Sciences

Abstract

Mental health concerns among collegiate athletes have gained increased attention, but there has been limited research focus on Division III student-athletes. This study aimed to examine the self-reported prevalence of anxiety, depression, anger, stalking/harassment, abuse/assault, alcohol/substance abuse, self-harm, suicide ideation, and suicide attempt to identify contributing factors amongst this population. A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted looking at data collected from the student-athlete mental health history & well-being questionnaire that was administered as part of their pre-participation exam (PPE) prior to the beginning of each academic year. A total of 554 Division III student-athletes were included in the study. Results indicated that 28.2% of athletes reported a history of anxiety, 17.0% reported a history of depression, and 22.2% reported receiving professional mental health treatment. Female athletes reported significantly higher rates of anxiety, depression, self-harm behaviors, and history of treatment compared to male athletes (p < .05). Significant differences were also observed across sport categories, with certain teams demonstrating higher prevalence of anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and treatment history p < .05). Birth year showed limited differences overall, however there was a significant association with history of suicide attempt and stalking/harassment (p < .05). Comparisons between individual and team sports showed that athletes in individual sports reported a higher prevalence of suicide attempts (p < .05).These findings highlight the substantial mental health burden among Division III student- athletes and highlights the disparities between sex and sport participation. The results support the need for improved mental health screening, increased access to resources, and targeted interventions within Division III athletic programs to better serve and support this population.

Licensing Permission

Copyright, all rights reserved. Fair Use

Acknowledgement 1

1

Acknowledgement 2

1

Recommended Citation

Neri, Jacob F., "A RETROSPECTIVE LOOK AT SELF-REPORTED MENTAL HEALTH PREVALENCE IN DIVISION III STUDENT-ATHLETES" (2026). Masters Theses/Capstone Projects. 149.
https://digitalcommons.otterbein.edu/stu_master/149