Olivia LoPresti

Abstract:

My presentation focuses on the prevalence of mental health issues in female athletes. In comparing statistics from male and female elite athletes, there are many gender specific pressures that contribute to a higher number of females experiencing mental distress. These factors include the media, sexual harassment/abuse, male coaches power dynamics, and family planning, motherhood, and caring responsibilities. When female elite athletes face these pressures, they result in higher suicide rates, disordered eating, anxiety, etc. By providing athletes, teams, and athletic trainers with the proper education to recognize these issues, as well as the proper mental health and supplemental resources, we can reduce the mental strain they experience. Being an elite athlete is pressure enough, so there should not be additional stress based off one’s gender.