Abstract
A significant increase in mental health concerns among college athletes has fueled interest in the impact of athletic identity on psychological outcomes. Research has produced mixed results regarding the association between athletic identity and mental health. This study sought to clarify this relationship and to improve our understanding of depression among NAIA college athletes, especially those who attach a great degree of importance and strength to the athlete’s role in relation to other activities. Voluntary college athletes aged 18-years-old or older and attending an NAIA member institution participated in the study (n = 361). They completed a web-based instrument that consisted of the following: (1) demographic questionnaire, (2) Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and (3) Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS). Results showed that exceedingly elevated levels of athletic identity and threats to it can contribute to depression. Given the implications for success, college athletic programs and university administrators need to focus on the exploration of identity and address the hurdles that college athletes face when injury or other factors threaten their identity.