Sense of Purpose: Comparing Athletes and Their Nonathlete Peers

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

Abstract

Research on college students’ sense of purpose illuminates much about students in general, less is known about sense of purpose for college athletes. Yet, after college former athletes and non-athletes have very similar outcomes in five areas of well-being (Gallup, 2016). This study explores potential differences between student-athletes and non-athletes in sense of purpose using measures from several instruments. Data was collected at the beginning and end of the academic term during three academic terms from 339 participants. Preliminary results suggest that athletes and non-athletes have a positive sense of well-being on all instruments in all weeks. However, athlete attitudes become significantly more positive over the course of the quarter on some items, while the change among non-athletes remains the same.

Authors

• Jennifer L. Hoffman, University of Washington

• Rebecca Crandall, The Ohio State University

• Nathan Adkins, University of Washington - Seattle

• Pamela J. Robenolt, University of Washington