Saint John’s Preparatory School Student Work

Document Type

Paper

Publication Date

12-8-2025

Disciplines

Mental and Social Health | Rehabilitation and Therapy | Sports Sciences

Advisor

Kelly Fitch and Sarah Pasela

Abstract

This paper examines how sports culture in the United States of America and in Latin America shapes the mental health and emotional well-being of student-athletes. To answer this question, I read and examined papers and articles originating from both regions. These articles helped me understand cultural implications and shortcomings from both sides. A number of these articles are in Spanish and translated by me throughout my research. My results show that in United States there are a variety of sources of stress. Pressures from school and academics are prevalent as scholarships and future careers are dependent on it. With that, coaches and family members can put excessive pressure on athletes, forcing them to compete through mental and physical pain. This exaggerated culture of sports in the United States can also force young athletes into a huge dedication, hurting their mental health and well-being. In Latin America, student-athletes are harmed by cultural stigmas against mental health as there are negative denominations that come with it. As well, they have a culture of prioritizing men, placing negative stereotypes on both genders. A major problem is resource disparity throughout this region, making affording sports and materials difficult which impacts their opportunities for advancements. In both regions, the mental health of athletes is at stake, and cultural differences shifts the sources of this stress. Mental health is a problem that is not widely covered, and my research aims to spread awareness of this topic in hopes of sparking a needed conversation.

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