Date of Conferral

8-18-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Social Work

Advisor

So`nia Gilkey

Abstract

Black male athletes are at a greater risk of not seeking treatment for their mental health issues due to cultural stigmas and expectations. The purpose of this qualitative secondary data research study was to understand the experiences of Black NBA players regarding their mental health and the sociocultural factors that influence their decision making regarding participation in mental health services, as revealed through podcast appearances. Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory was applied in this study to suggest that learning is an integral part of the social process and that culture contributes to how and what one learns. This study asked about what podcast episodes on mental health revealed about Black NBA players’ experiences with mental health, what those podcasts revealed about their perceptions about the sociocultural factors influencing their decision to seek help, and how players perceived disclosing mental health experiences while playing in the NBA. The secondary data collected for this study consisted of 20 podcast episodes in which 30 NBA players discussed their mental health experiences while playing in the NBA. Content analysis was used to analyze the data that consisted of a systematic eight step process. The results of the data analysis revealed three main themes including the role of the social/cultural environment on mental health perceptions, factors contributing to seeking help or not, and normalizing mental health during and after the NBA career. This study is important to social work research and social change as it provides additional insight into the mental health of elite athletes and the potential role of social workers in advocating for mental health support for these athletes when a need is identified.

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