Research Results and Peer to Peer Mental Health Supports for Female Student Athletes

2024 Research Project

In the Spring of 2024 Erika Perry, on behalf of YouthTalk United, visited 4 high schools and surveyed 136 female athletes, ages 13-18 in Jefferson County Alabama. The site visits revealed gaps in mental health education, and highlighted the need to empower students and reinforce positive thinking.

Surveyed students self-reported their overall mental well-being, and while the results were encouraging they also revealed a significant number of participants who could benefit from a more positive and empowered mindset.

YouthTalk United has developed a Peer-to-Peer program in response to the data and following student requests for ongoing support. The program aims to improve the overall well-being of female student athletes and their success in both sports and life.

Site Visits Takeaways
The site visits revealed significant gaps in mental health awareness and support among female student-athletes in Jefferson County. Many students initially lacked a clear understanding of mental health, but with education, they began to recognize and articulate their own experiences with anxiety and pressure. Despite some prior knowledge in certain schools, there remains a substantial need for mental health education, as well as for ongoing workshops and support systems. The visits highlighted that female athletes often feel overwhelmed, underappreciated, and unsupported, particularly in comparison to their male counterparts. This lack of recognition can negatively affect their mental well-being and motivation. Moreover, the visits underscored the importance of recognizing and valuing the accomplishments of female athletes. Students expressed frustration over the lack of acknowledgment for their achievements, which further contributes to their feelings of being overlooked. Addressing these issues through targeted interventions, open dialogue, and enhanced support structures is crucial to fostering a positive and healthy environment for female student-athletes.

Survey Results
About one-third of the respondents feel positively about their mental well-being, which is encouraging. The majority of athletes rate their mental well-being in the mid-range (neutral or average), which suggests that while many do not feel particularly low, they also do not feel particularly high in terms of well-being. A notable 16.9% of athletes rated their mental well-being as very low  which might be concerning and could warrant further attention or support for this group. Overall, while a significant portion of the athletes have a decent level of mental well-being, there's a smaller group that might benefit from targeted mental health resources and support.

Seeking Support for Lasting Impact
While we are incredibly grateful for the funding provided by the Woodson Foundation, which made this program possible, we are now seeking an additional $12,000 to extend and sustain this vital work. This funding will support six weeks of programming, ensuring that every female athlete in Jefferson County has the opportunity to participate in and benefit from this initiative.

Your support will help us create a lasting impact in these young women’s lives, empowering them to not only succeed in sports but also to carry the skills and resilience they develop into all areas of their lives. Together, we can ensure that they are recognized not just for their athletic abilities but for their strength, determination, and capacity to overcome any challenge.