Date of Award

Spring 4-11-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

First Advisor

Dr. Sarah Myers

Second Advisor

Dr. Kevin Hunt

Third Advisor

Dr. Mandy Jarriel

Abstract

Athletic training students (ATS) have been documented to experience stressors and perceive burnout up to this point in their assimilation into the profession. This is understood through recent work-life balance (WLB) and burnout research within the student population, stemming off research recommendations surrounding the professional setting. However, following current educational shifts and worldwide events, prior research is limited surrounding specific graduate level ATS WLB, stressors, coping responses, and comparisons across ATS demographics. The purpose of this study is to identify this balance in graduate level students and highlight stressors or management techniques that will benefit future students pursuing athletic training education. Two hundred and seventeen ATS from CAATE accredited graduate level institutions across America completed an online questionnaire consisting of demographic information, Velociteach Questionnaire for Self-Assessing Your Work-Life Balance; The DSM-5 Self-rated Level 1 Cross-Cutting Symptom Measure; the Perceived Stress Scale; and the Coping Strategies Ranking instrument. Students in this sample rated their perceived stress as high, compared to previous surveys across ATS that gauged their perceived stress as moderate. This study validated previous literature highlighting differences across sex in the ATS population, finding that female ATS present a significantly higher (poorer) perceived mental health. Not seen in previous research, are the distinctions identified across ATS based on district classification, which suggest ATS WLB is perceived differently across NATA districts. In line with early coping measures research during the COVID-19 pandemic, participants in this study suggested they primarily prefer individualistic coping strategies to manage their stress and promote a positive WLB. These findings suggest that social coping mechanisms like socialization and mentorships should be adapted, in line with previous ATS research, to assist in student management of perceived WLB, mental health, and stress.

AWLB ATS Thesis.pdf (458 kB)
This is the PDF version of my thesis project.

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