Exploring Secondary School Athletic Trainers' Perspectives in Managing Mental Health Situations
Jang, Suhyun Drescher, Matthew J. Armstrong, Tara A. Neil, Elizabeth R. Eberman, Lindsey E.
Jang, Suhyun
Drescher, Matthew J.
Armstrong, Tara A.
Neil, Elizabeth R.
Eberman, Lindsey E.
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Journal article
Date
2024-04-30
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Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
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https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050577
Abstract
Background: Most people believe that student–athletes experience fewer difficulties related
to mental health than non-sport participants. However, several studies have shown high depression
levels or emotional difficulties in adolescent athletes. Most secondary school students have access to
athletic trainers in their schools. Secondary school athletic trainers (SSATs) are medical professionals
who can provide health care for student–athletes, and they could be appropriate supporters in providing mental health management in secondary schools. However, there are no studies that have
addressed their preparedness and confidence level to manage potential risk factors and mental health
disorders. This study aims to ascertain preparedness and confidence levels from SSATs’ perspectives
in handling mental health disorders using a survey based on the mental health management guidelines and consensus statement. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study design. The research team
created an online survey questionnaire based on the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA)
Mental Health Guidelines for Secondary School and Interassociation Recommendation: A Consensus
Statement. Utilizing the NATA Research Survey Service, the online survey was emailed to SSATs who
self-categorized as secondary school athletic trainers in the NATA membership system. (n = 171, 65%
completion rate). SPSS was used to analyze the survey data. Result: This study found that 29.2% of
SSATs reported they have policies or guidelines regarding mental health disorders management for
minors. The most frequent policy was mandatory reporting in cases in which an individual is being
abused or neglected (80.5%). The highest confidence area was aligned with the most frequent policy.
The least frequent policy was considering unique stressors and triggers with student–athletes to
recognize the potential mechanisms that may cause a mental illness or exacerbate an existing mental
illness (58.5%). Even though the least frequent policy was not aligned with the least confidence area,
it was the second lowest confidence level. This study identified significant differences between two
different employment structures: school-based employment and hospital-based employment structures. Policies were more common in school-based employment than in hospital-based employment
structures. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the gap between organizational and individual
preparation. The majority of SSATs respondents expressed moderate to high confidence in their
ability to manage mental health disorders, despite the lack of mental health policies or procedures
in their secondary schools. This study recommends that SSATs create guidelines or procedures in
the areas where they are least confident and prepared to offer mental health management for minor
student–athletes. They can use the interassociation recommendations and the NATA guidelines for
mental health care to close the gap.
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Citation
Jang, S.; Drescher, M.J.; Armstrong, T.A.; Neil, E.R.; Eberman, L.E. Exploring Secondary School Athletic Trainers’ Perspectives in Managing Mental Health Situations. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21, 577. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050577
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International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Vol. 21, Iss. 5
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