A new study has revealed that suicide is the second leading cause of death among college athletes in the US, climbing from 7.6 per cent 20 years ago to 15.3 per cent today.
The report, published at the start of April in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, supports similar findings from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), which previously identified suicide as a leading cause of death among athletes, CNN reports.
The association has published a consensus document to help protect athlete wellbeing, featuring best practices for mental health, including creating supportive environments, following written plans that take into account risk and protective factors, and screening people for psychological distress at least once a year.
However, the new study explains that previous research on how this guidance and participation in various sports affect suicide rates has produced mixed results.
As such, it was deemed necessary to review suicide rates by NCAA athletes between July 2002 and 2022 by consulting memorial lists and insurance claims, as well as media reports, the Parent Heart Watch database and the National Centre for Catastrophic Sports Injury database.
Of the 1,102 deaths occurring over the course of these 20 years, 128 were suicides among those aged between 17 and 24, predominantly white (59 per cent) and male (77 per cent). However, it was also found that the majority of cases occurred at the age of 20, typically in the middle of a college athlete’s scholastic career.
While no significant differences were identified in sport, race or sex, contrasts did emerge between different divisions. For example, Division III athletes were found to have a 59 per cent and 66 per cent lower suicide rate than divisions I and II athletes respectively.
Furthermore, the study found that male cross-country athletes had the highest rates of all, which came as a surprise to researchers, given that previous studies had identified higher rates among football players.
Lead author of the study Bridget Whelan – research scientist at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine – said that it’s often believed that athletes have protective levels of support, such as that from their coaches, teammates, trainers, doctors and so on, but this study indicates that they’re “just as susceptible to these mental health concerns”.
Making further comments, Dr Jacob Kay – clinical research affiliate at the University of South Carolina’s Arnold School of Public Health – said: “This trend highlights the need for better screening methods, prevention strategies and support systems for those working with student athletes.”
For further information, contact:
Paul Higham
Suicide Bereavement UK
Tel: 01706 827359
Mobile: 07850 710555
Email: paul.higham@suicidebereavementuk.com
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