• July 2, 2026 | 3:05 PM - 4:00 PM
• PCC,105AB

Vital Information for Athletic Trainers from the NATA Updated Inter-Association Consensus Statement on Psychological Concerns in Collegiate Student-athletes: Antecedents of Risk to Mental Health

Student-athletes are not immune from mental health disorders and other psychological concerns. Athletic trainers should understand the role of antecedents of risk to the mental health and wellness of the student-athlete. The updated NATA Inter-Association Consensus Statement on Psychological Concerns in Collegiate Student-Athletes provides evidence on antecedents of risk to mental health. The antecedents of risk that the athletic trainer should be aware of in the student-athletes are: Social Determinants of Health challenges, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and traumatic events. This presentation will provide data, and practical information on these antecedents of risk in developing a psychological concern in student-athletes.

Learning Objectives - Describe the effects faced by an individual who experiences challenging social determinants of health.
- Recognize Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the effect ACEs have on the mental health of a student-athlete.
- Analyze the effect psychological trauma has on the student-athlete that makes them at risk for mental health disorders.
- Consider effective approaches in discussing antecedents of risk to mental health with student-athletes.

Keywords: Social Determinants of Health; Adverse Childhood Experiences; Psychological Trauma