An Examination of the Influence of Athletic Participation on College Adjustment

• In Event: 67.068 - MTCC Roundtable Session 32
  In Roundtable Session: 67.068-9 - Athletic Experiences of Student Athletes in Context

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to explore the relationships between race/ethnicity, gender, and college adjustment of student-athletes compared to non-student-athletes. The complex interactions in the academic, social, personal/emotional and goal commitment/ institutional attachment arenas were examined. Overall 215 Student Adaptation to College Questionnaires (SACQ) were completed by student-athletes and non-athletes at two regional universities. Of the 215 participants, the number of completed responses was different by survey subscale: demographic 215, academic subscale 199, social subscale 138, Personal-emotional subscale 206, attachment subscale 207, and the full-scale SACQ 131. Findings revealed gender, race/ethnicity, and athletic status were strongly associated with college adjustment and significant interactions and main effects were related to scores on college adjustment.

Authors

• Nick Stowers, East Central University

• Mary Jo Self, Oklahoma State University

• Ed Harris, Oklahoma State University

• Penny L. Cantley, Oklahoma State University

• Bridget Miller, Oklahoma State University