Author ORCID Identifier
Semester
Fall
Date of Graduation
2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Type
PhD
College
College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences
Department
Sport and Exercise Psychology
Committee Chair
Dana K. Voelker. Ph.D.
Committee Member
Ashley Coker-Cranney, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Johannes Raabe, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Monica Leppma, Ph.D.
Abstract
Using a grounded theory approach, this study explored collegiate athletes’ mental health referral experiences and identified mechanisms explaining those experiences based upon perceptions of psychological need fulfillment and thwarting according to Basic Psychological Needs Theory (BPNT). Interviews were conducted with a purposive, maximum variation sample of 14 current and former collegiate athletes who were referred to mental health services by support personnel or other athletes. Analyses yielded three overarching theoretical categories/properties: pre-referral factors, proactive and reactive referral conversations, and referral outcomes. Referral is often understood as an isolated conversation in which athletes are provided mental health resources in response to a crisis. Challenging this notion, the present study showed that proactive referral as a preventative approach, as well as intentional understanding athletes’ pre-referral experiences, were central to supporting athletes’ relationship with their mental health. Generally, referral experiences that resulted in helping athletes disconnect their mental health concerns from understandings of their self-worth, and ultimately pursue mental health services with hope for recovery, were linked to psychological need satisfaction throughout the referral process (e.g., autonomously choosing mental health services, relating to the referrer through a similar experience, mastering skills for pursuing therapy). Yet, in cases of positive referral experiences, some athletes re-internalized mental health stigma upon re-engaging with unsupportive sport and familial environments. Need thwarting amid the referral conversation was generally associated with poorer outcomes, in addition to cultural environments that deterred help-seeking. Together, the data suggest BPNT is a promising framework for effective referral guidance, though psychological needs are met uniquely for each athlete based upon their characteristics and context.
Recommended Citation
Ugrenović, Luna, "A Grounded Theory Investigation of Basic Psychological Needs Theory as a Framework for Effective Mental Health Referrals in Collegiate Sport" (2024). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 12694.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/12694
Comments
I am adding the libraries' committee signature form that also includes en email with one of my committee member's approval.