Socio-emotional strategies to enhance mental health in university student athletes
Abstract
Introduction: Mental health in university students has emerged as a critical concern in the field of higher education. Factors such as academic stress, work overload, social expectations, and lack of emotional support are directly related to the development of psychological disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which affect not only personal well-being. These challenges underscore the urgent need to implement innovative pedagogical approaches that promote mental health in the university educational environment.
Objective: To determine the socio-emotional strategies to enhance mental health in university student-athletes.
Methods: A quantitative study was carried out with 36 university student-athletes intentionally selected from a private Peruvian university, they were evaluated during the first week of December 2024 in various socio-emotional strategies with the aim of improving the mental health of this group.
Results: To further stimulate this growth, by suggesting activities that encourage problem-solving and continuous learning. Interventions in this area consisted of personal development workshops and continuous reflection activities. The results indicated that 68 % of students who participated in these programs felt more prepared to adapt to new situations and adjust their behaviors based on previous experiences, which improved their ability to manage pressure both in sports and academics.
Conclusions: Socio-emotional strategies are crucial to promoting mental health in college student-athletes. By strengthening key areas such as self-acceptance, environmental mastery, empathy, autonomy, and personal growth, a positive impact can be generated on emotional well-being, thus improving both academic and athletic performance.
DeCS: ATHLETES; MENTAL HEALTH; STUDENT HEALTH; SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES; STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Gladys Soledad Ramos Aguilar de Cubas, Bertila Hernandez Fernandez, Julio César Sáenz Avila, Alasteña Saldaña Barboza, Eliana Soledad Castañeda-Núñez, Walter Jorge Mendizábal Anticona
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22 julio 2025