Exploring female collegiate athletes’ lived experiences of mental health stigma on social media
Presenter Type
UNO Graduate Student (Masters)
Major/Field of Study
Communication
Advisor Information
Dr. Roma Subramanian, Graduate Program Chair, Associate Professor, School of Communication
Location
CEC RM #128
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
22-3-2024 9:00 AM
End Date
22-3-2024 10:15 AM
Abstract
Negative stereotypes and unattainable beauty standards can flourish on social media, which may have an adverse effect on athletes' mental health. The mental health environment for female collegiate athletes is complicated. Social media can intensify the temptation to project an image of unwavering strength by spreading negativity and inaccurate representations. The lived experiences of mental health stigma on social media among female collegiate athletes are investigated in this study.
By applying the Stigma Management Communication (SMC) theory, the study investigates how female athletes experience, if any, and navigate any mental health issues they may face on social media platforms. Preliminary findings indicate that social media, especially when female collegiate athletes come across idealized representations of health and physique, may intensify feelings of inferiority and loneliness. The stigma associated with mental health issues may be reinforced by this exposure, which may encourage people to conceal their difficulties.
This research seeks to illuminate the lived experiences of female collegiate athletes on social media and contribute to dismantling mental health stigma within sports and social media environments. The findings may inform targeted interventions and support systems to foster well-being among female collegiate athletes.
Exploring female collegiate athletes’ lived experiences of mental health stigma on social media
CEC RM #128
Negative stereotypes and unattainable beauty standards can flourish on social media, which may have an adverse effect on athletes' mental health. The mental health environment for female collegiate athletes is complicated. Social media can intensify the temptation to project an image of unwavering strength by spreading negativity and inaccurate representations. The lived experiences of mental health stigma on social media among female collegiate athletes are investigated in this study.
By applying the Stigma Management Communication (SMC) theory, the study investigates how female athletes experience, if any, and navigate any mental health issues they may face on social media platforms. Preliminary findings indicate that social media, especially when female collegiate athletes come across idealized representations of health and physique, may intensify feelings of inferiority and loneliness. The stigma associated with mental health issues may be reinforced by this exposure, which may encourage people to conceal their difficulties.
This research seeks to illuminate the lived experiences of female collegiate athletes on social media and contribute to dismantling mental health stigma within sports and social media environments. The findings may inform targeted interventions and support systems to foster well-being among female collegiate athletes.