A Study on the Causes, Mechanisms and Coping Strategies for Psychological Problems Among Undergraduate Sports Students

Abstract

As a distinct cohort within higher education bearing dual pressures of academic study and specialised training, the mental health status of undergraduate sports students directly impacts both talent cultivation quality and the sustainable development of the sports sector.In recent years, psychological issues among sports students have become increasingly prevalent, emerging as a significant societal concern. This study systematically examines the manifestations, incidence rates, and demographic characteristics of psychological problems among undergraduate sports students. It delves into the underlying causes and operational mechanisms of these issues, constructing a four-dimensional causal framework encompassing "individual-environment-society-family" and a transmission mechanism involving "stressors - mediating variables - psychological outcomes". Targeted solutions are subsequently proposed.Findings indicate that psychological issues among undergraduate sports students occur at a higher rate than among general undergraduates, primarily manifesting as anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and career anxiety. These issues are closely linked to training pressures, competitive setbacks, academic conflicts, and societal stereotypes, and are transmitted through mediating variables such as coping strategies, psychological resilience, and sleep quality.This research aims to provide theoretical underpinnings and practical guidance for mental health initiatives in university physical education programmes, thereby supporting the holistic physical and psychological development of undergraduate sports students.