An evaluation of a US college student-athletes’ peer support training program: a pilot project

Purpose This pilot project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of peer support competency training in relation to college student-athletes’ peer support skills and well-being. Design/methodology/approach This project included four 90-min training sessions on peer support competency skills based on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s peer support core competencies guidelines. A mixed-method design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the training by measuring their peer support ability and through focus groups to gain insight into their experience. Findings A two-way analysis of variance yielded a significantly higher well-being score at the posttraining. Qualitative data revealed an increased sense of connection during the training period among participants. Research limitations/implications This pilot project had several limitations for generalization. This pilot project consisted of a small sample size, and most of the athletes were recruited from track and field, soccer, lacrosse and cross country. Ongoing peer support program evaluation and future research with student-athletes with diverse backgrounds is essential to promote student-athletes’ mental health. Practical implications Peer support or peer educator program in the athletics department represents an opportunity for universities to provide an accessible mental health resource for student-athletes. To ensure the effectiveness of the peer support program, it is important that mental health professionals in the athletics department provide basic trainings for members in empathy listening skills, self-compassion, coping strategies and mental health resources. Social implications Group experiential training could increase peer support efficacy and strengthen a sense of community. Because peer support programs are not counseling or therapy programs, it allows easy access to mental health support for student-athletes. Originality/value This work has not been submitted elsewhere or under consideration by any other publication. The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.