A scoping review of factors within the higher education ecosystem influencing student-athlete mental health and wellbeing in North America: Insights and a model for mental health promotion
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17161/jas.v11i1.22920Abstract
The purpose of this research was to synthesize peer-reviewed literature identifying factors in the organizational ecosystem that impact post-secondary student-athlete mental health in North America. We adopted a holistic definition of mental health considering outcomes related to both mental illness and multidimensional wellbeing (i.e., psychological, emotional, and social wellbeing). A structured scoping review method was used to search seven databases. Data from included studies (N = 57), were summarized according to the socioecological model of health and analyzed using thematic synthesis.
Post-secondary sport environments that promoted mental health and wellbeing supported student-athlete psychological need satisfaction and were characterized by: (1) growth-oriented motivational climates, (2) harmony between academic and athletic roles, (3) equity and inclusion, (4) social support, (5) positive relationships, (6) ethical leadership, and (7) health-promoting organizational operations. We propose a theoretically and empirically informed conceptual model illustrating features of post-secondary sport that interact to promote student-athlete mental health and wellbeing. These findings illustrate the need for multidimensional approaches to mental health promotion and further organizational research, particularly in Canada. This review highlights the mental health impacts of environmental demands and resources that can support effective institutional interventions to safeguard student-athlete mental health despite inherent stressors of competitive sport.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Jillian Stringer, Aisha Tasawar, David L Pearl, Margaret Lumley, Andrew Papadopoulos
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