Date of Award
9-22-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Educational Leadership, Ed.D.
First Advisor
Ibrahim Duyar
Committee Members
Ella Benson; Mitchell Henke
Abstract
This study examined the mental health challenges faced by female Division I collegiate athletes. The problem addressed was the issue of poor psychological health among Division I female collegiate athletes. The pressures faced by this subpopulation can lead to psychological distress, which may manifest as anxiety, depression, and role conflict. Consequently, female athletes encounter unique challenges that can adversely affect their overall well-being and performance in athletics and academics. This research aimed to investigate the influence of collegiate athletic participation on female athletes' mental health, particularly from the perspective of coaches, who play a vital role in shaping their athletes' experiences. A phenomenological research design was employed to explore the lived experiences of ten coaches from NCAA Division I institutions, each with at least one season of coaching experience. The study examined the influence of collegiate athletic involvement on the psychological well-being of female student-athletes from the perspective of coaches. The results highlighted an urgent need for improved mental health resources and training for coaches, emphasizing the importance of social dynamics and institutional support systems in ensuring athletes' well-being. The findings revealed that the interplay of perfectionism, social media influences, and the difficulties in managing both academic and athletic responsibilities profoundly affected mental well-being. It was essential to recognize that, despite a growing trend of athletes becoming more open about mental health issues, significant challenges persist, intensified by societal expectations and the pressures of competitive environments. Individual interviews were conducted virtually with ten participants, all of whom are currently employed as Division I coaches and assistant coaches. Purposeful sampling was utilized to perform a comprehensive investigation into this issue within the culture of female collegiate athletics. Coaches’ insights indicated that improved communication strategies and customized support systems are essential for effectively addressing these challenges. The study's findings highlighted the need to incorporate mental health aspects into Division I collegiate athletic programs to create supportive environments that promote the overall well-being of female athletes. Future research should expand its focus to include longitudinal studies that assess the lasting effects of role conflicts and mental health discussions in collegiate settings. Additionally, exploring the effects of social media and the different demographics on mental health challenges among various athlete groups could enhance our understanding of this crucial issue. Keywords: Female athletes, mental health, collegiate athletics, phenomenological research, role conflict, coach.
Rights Management
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
Recommended Citation
Jackson, Kimba P., "Athletic Coaches’ Perspective: The Intersection of Female Collegiate Athletic Involvement, Emotional Health, And Academic Performance" (2025). Student Theses and Dissertations. 1101.
https://arch.astate.edu/all-etd/1101
