Collecting and analyzing data, and then using those data to make informed decisions, is central to what we do at the Sport Science Institute. We work closely with NCAA research staff in support of efforts that promote a safe and healthy environment for college athletes competing in all sports.
Located on this page are data and research related to the mental health and well-being of college athletes.
The GOALS Survey is a quadrennial, NCAA study of the experiences and well-being of current college athletes. It provides the SSI and the Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sport, as well as NCAA committees, policymakers and member schools, with the most detailed information to date on a range of important issues. Those include the health and well-being, athletics, academics and social experience of college student-athletes.
The NCAA Student-Athlete Substance Use Survey is a quadrennial survey that collects data on the substance use patterns of college athletes. It helps inform the SSI, the Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sport and NCAA policymakers with current and historical information concerning levels of student-athlete drug and alcohol use. The information includes matters such as why student-athletes do or do not use specific substances, when they started to use drugs and their attitudes regarding drug use and drug testing.
The NCAA Social Environments Study is designed to examine how student-athletes interact with various on-campus and community groups; the level of comfort and trust within the campus community; perceived ability to intervene when teammates and peers need help; and expectations/education provided by coaches and others in dealing with various issues that arise in a student-athlete’s social environment.
The NCAA has had bylaws restricting sports wagering for many years because leaders in college athletics consistently and steadfastly believe that sports wagering not only threatens the integrity of the game but also is an entry point into other behaviors that may compromise student-athlete health and well-being. The NCAA Collegiate Wagering Study surveys college athletes about their attitudes toward and engagement in various gambling activities, including sports wagering.
