Abstract
Existing research has identified the prevalence, as well as protective factors related to athlete mental health. This study expanded the research on athlete mental health by exploring Special Olympics athletes’ mental health experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven female and five male Special Olympics athletes (13–58 years old). Data were analyzed with an interpretive description approach. The results revealed that Special Olympics provided contexts where athletes felt competent and socially connected, which enhanced their mental health. Athletes considered help-seeking as helpful and sought help mostly from informal sources that they could trust (e.g., caregivers, Special Olympics coaches). Healthcare providers (e.g., counselors) were viewed as experts, but were difficult to access. Some athletes reported fear of others’ negative reactions to help-seeking. As mental health disparities persist against individuals with intellectual disability, continued work is necessary to promote equitable access to healthcare and the mental health of individuals with intellectual disability.
Published Version
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