Date of Graduation
2005
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Type
EdD
College
College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences
Department
Sport and Exercise Psychology
Committee Chair
Samuel J. Zizzi
Committee Co-Chair
Jack C. Watson II
Committee Member
Roy Tunick
Committee Member
Ann M. Richards
Committee Member
Edward F. Etzel
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the adjustment to college of freshmen student-athletes (n = 78) and students (n = 174) at a Division I university. Participants were surveyed using the Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire (SACQ; Baker & Siryk, 1999). Student-athletes were found to be significantly less committed to earning their undergraduate degrees than non-athletes, during both week seven and week 15 of their first semester. Predictor variables accounted for 24% of the variance in social adjustment with a more positive perceived impact of personal-social factors and an internal locus of control, emerging as significant predictors. Commitment to earning an undergraduate degree was significantly predicted by a more positive perceived impact of personal-social factors, non-athlete status and a less powerful others oriented locus of control accounting for 24.9% of the variance. A repeated measure ANOVA, revealed that over time student-athlete adjustment significantly decreased on two of the four subscales of the SACQ, while non-athlete adjustment scores did not significantly change.
Recommended Citation
Downey, V Paul, "An exploration of the adjustment processes of freshmen student-athletes and non -athlete students." (2005). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 8776.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/8776