Extra Community from Extra-Curriculars? Mental Wellness and Well-Being for Student-Athletes and Greek-affiliated Students

• In Event: Impact and Importance of Student Organizations

Abstract

In higher education, students can have a variety of 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 students that are not part of these groups, using data from the 2023 National Survey of Student Engagement Mental Health & Well-Being Module. In a sample of over 10,600 first-year students and 13,600 seniors, means comparisons 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 and Greek members are more likely to feel adequate institutional support for their well-being. These findings mirror prior research using a sense of community theoretical framework and provide support for the value of participation in positive structured organizations.

Authors

• Angie L Miller, Indiana University Bloomington

• Chandler Hawkins, Indiana University Bloomington