College students and athletes face rising burnout risks

Research and student reports highlight significant burnout levels among collegiate populations. A survey by Crown Counseling indicates that approximately 55% of college students report experiencing burnout, often driven by the struggle to balance academic, personal, and social responsibilities. Students frequently feel overwhelmed during the middle of the semester when deadlines for classes and organizations overlap.

College athletes face unique pressures, with an NCAA study finding that 16% to 35% of athletes feel mentally exhausted most days. A scoping review of 29 studies involving over 8,000 athletes identified key risk factors for burnout, including perfectionism, competitive anxiety, and interpersonal stress. The review also noted that female athletes reported higher rates of burnout than males.

Protective factors that may mitigate burnout include supportive coaching, perceived social support, sports-specific gratitude, and self-determined motivation. For general students, strategies such as changing study environments and maintaining strong personal relationships are cited as helpful coping mechanisms.