Following their participation in athletics after their collegiate retirement, this research examines whether there is a relationship between college athletes\u27 mental health and their athletic identity. Specifically, it examines whether athletic retirement leads to anxiety and depression. Participants will be asked to answer a survey that relates to their athletic identity, and the occurrence of symptoms related to depression and anxiety at different periods of their collegiate career and after their athletic retirement. Results are predicted to demonstrate a significant relationship between retired athletes’ level of athletic identity and the prevalence of depression and anxiety following cessation of athletics. However, this effect is likely to be moderated by their participation in athletic endeavors post-graduation. Future research should explore athletes’ identity and their mental health throughout their careers and after retirement
