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DSW Showcase Student Presentation

Jasmine Holmes

LMSW, DSW Candidate

Comparative Analysis of Mental Health Stressors Among Black Collegiate Athletes at Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

Concentration -

  • Monday, April 28, 2025 -
  • 9:00 am
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Abstract

This capstone presentation examines the mental health disparities among Black collegiate athletes at Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Drawing from a Systematic Literature Review (SLR), Conceptual Paper (CP), and Applied Practice (AP) Paper, the research highlights the distinct stressors these athletes face, including racial discrimination, micro-aggressions, performance pressures, and access to culturally competent mental health resources. The SLR provides a foundation by synthesizing existing research on mental health risks, revealing how institutional environments shape well-being. The CP expands on these findings through ecological, systems, and intersectionality theories, offering a conceptual model that underscores the impact of institutional culture and social support. Finally, the AP Paper translates these insights into a clinical intervention model, proposing culturally responsive counseling, peer mentorship programs, and institutional advocacy to address disparities. By integrating these perspectives, this presentation offers a holistic understanding of mental health challenges faced by Black collegiate athletes and proposes evidence-based solutions. The goal is to inform university policies, enhance athletic programming, and advocate for equitable mental health support in collegiate sports, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for Black student-athletes.

Biography

Jasmine Holmes is a dedicated mental health professional and school-based social worker committed to advocacy for marginalized communities. She earned her BSW from the University of Arkansas at Monticello (2015–2020) and her MSW from Louisiana State University in 2021. She is currently a Doctoral Candidate in Social Work at the University of Kentucky and is expected to complete her studies in 2025.
As a school social worker, Jasmine supports Pre-K through 8th-grade students facing emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges through counseling, assessments, and educational programs.
Her research focuses on the psychological stressors of Black collegiate athletes, particularly at Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs). She examines challenges such as racial microaggressions, isolation, and the pressures of balancing academics and athletics. Through her work, she aims to advocate for improved mental health resources and supportive spaces for these athletes.
Jasmine’s dedication to excellence is evident in her induction into the Phi Alpha Honor Society (2018) and her membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (since 2020).