ABSTRACT
A Narrative Exploration Into the Intersection of Division I Black Student–Athlete Environment Identity, and Mental Health
The study examined narrative counter-stories of 10 Division I Black student–athlete experiences at the intersection of race, gender, sport activism, and mental health while attending predominantly White institutions (PWIs) in the Midwest amid ongoing racial and social injustices throughout the United States. The theoretical frameworks utilized throughout the literature and study were critical race theory, intersectionality, and the ecological perspective, which highlighted gaps in the literature, research, policies, procedures, initiatives, and support systems in place for Division I Black student–athlete environment, identity, and mental health.
The sample consisted of participants who are Black student-athletes currently competing an NCAA Division I PWI in the Midwest. Purposeful and snowball sampling strategies were intentionally chosen to effectively recruit a population that is historically harder to reach. The participant’s counter-story and analysis followed individual interview analysis and a group analysis through the lens of Fraser’s (2004) data analysis phases, both CRT and intersectionality frameworks, and the ecological perspective.
Findings from the critical race qualitative narratives suggested there are gaps in adequately supporting Division I Black student–athletes attending PWIs in the Midwest. Furthermore, the participants did not feel acknowledged or validated yet felt somewhat supported. Participants acknowledged challenges including racism, microaggressions, and added pressures at the intersection of race, gender, sport, and advocacy. Division I Black female student–athletes reported adding gender identity to the intersection of race, sport, and activism added another layer of challenges, although those challenges also served as a motivational force to be the representation that is needed throughout PWIs and athletics departments.
The experiences of the Division I Black student–athlete attending PWIs in the Midwest are unique and complex in nature. There were several limitations associated with this study including limited generalizability, sampling issues, geographical location, data collection compromise due to time and space (i.e., COVID, virtual zoom platform), and some researcher bias despite effort. Aligning with the argument that there is not a one size that fits all nor experience, the findings from the study cannot be generalizable experiences of Black student-athletes across sport participation types, institutional contexts, academic performance levels, or one’s overall mental health and well-being. The review and study served as a baseline for future studies concluding with implications for Black student–athletes, the NCAA, member institutions, athletic administrators, and counselor educators and helping professionals to better support Division I Black student–athlete identity, mental health, and well-being at PWIs in the Midwest. Furthermore, concluding how environment needs to be considered when considering better ways of supporting Division I Black student-athlete mental health.
Keywords: Black student athletes, critical race, environment, gender, identity, advocacy, mental health