Mental Well-Being and Perceived Institutional Support: Do Student-Athletes and Greek-Affiliated Students Benefit?

• In Event: From Surviving to Thriving: Institutional Support and Well-Being for Diverse Student Groups

Abstract

In higher education, students can have various experiences within structured subgroups, such as athletic teams and Greek letter organizations. This study investigates whether student-athletes and Greek-affiliated students report significantly different levels of mental health concerns as compared to students that are not part of these groups, using data from the 2023 National Survey of Student Engagement. In a sample of over 10,600 first-year students and 13,600 seniors, regression analyses suggest that athletes and Greek members are experiencing significantly less difficulty with issues of peer relationships, loneliness, mental health, and mental/emotional exhaustion, although these patterns differ somewhat by class level and group type. Additionally, athletes are more likely to feel adequate institutional support for their well-being.

Authors

• Angie L. Miller, Indiana University

• Chandler Hawkins, Purdue University