Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2006

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

EdD

College

College of Education and Human Services

Department

Learning Sciences and Human Development

Committee Chair

Edward Etzel.

Abstract

Research investigating the disengagement experiences of high school athletes and their subsequent adjustment to the college environment has been limited at best. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the differences in college adjustment patterns and reported athletic identity of first-year college males and females (N=317). Three status groups were used in this study: retired high school senior athletes ( n=125), high school senior non-athletes (n=106), and current college varsity athletes (n=78). Significant differences were observed between the three athletic status groups where retired high senior athletes had significantly different athletic identity scores than both college athletes and high school non-athletes. Freshman females reported higher academic adjustment than males in the total sample. For retired high school senior athletes, both gender and athletic identity differences were found. For this group, there were differences in college adjustment related to the nature of retirement decision and level of social support. Potential applications of findings and future directions related to research are explored.

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