“FROM THE FIELD TO THE FRONTLINE” BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN STIGMA AND MASCULINITY IN MENTAL HEALTH AMONG COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYERS AND MARINES

This study examines mental health stigma, masculinity, and help-seeking intentions in UnitedStates Marines and Division I football players. Utilizing a concurrent mixed-methods approach, the research combines quantitative measures, including the Self-Stigma of Seeking Help Scale (SSOSH), Stigma Scale for Receiving Psychological Help (SSRPH), Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory (CMNI-22), Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale (ATSPPH-SF), and the Mental Help-Seeking Intention Scale (MHSIS). Findings reveal similar levels of stigma, masculinity, and help-seeking intentions in both populations, highlighting a complex relationship between these factors. This pilot study underscores the need for further exploration into mental health within these environments, with implications for reducing stigma, challenging masculine ideals, and encouraging help-seeking behaviors. Despite limitations, the study contributes valuable insights into the mental health experiences of Marines and football players.