College Athletes with Career-Ending Injuries: Perceptions About Using Mental Health Services

Abstract

Abstract The support-seeking behaviors of college athletes with career-ending injuries have not been as extensively researched as those of college athletes who sustain injuries and return to play (RohrsCordes, K., & Paule-Koba, 2018). Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative study was to gain a better understanding of the perceptions of college athletes with career-ending injuries about using mental health services during their recovery and reintegration. It is known that due to injury, college athletes experience psychological distress, and it is also known that injured athletes do not seek help for fear of perceived public stigma. What is not known is how college athletes with career-ending injuries recall their experiences with recovery and reintegration, the perceived impact this experience had on their lives, and how these experiences may be applied to future programs and theories. The research question asked, “What are the perceptions of college athletes with career-ending injuries about using mental health services during their recovery and reintegration?” A generic qualitative study was conducted to answer this research question. A total of 10 previous college athletes with career-ending injuries participated in 60-minute semistructured interviews. The results of the study determined that the perceived benefits derived from social support directly impact a college athletes support seeking behaviors during recover and transition. The type of support utilized by college athletes during their recovery and reintegration process was based on the type of injuries they sustained, the length of their recovery, and their perception of need for support.