abstract: The challenges that face student-athletes when they retire from formal sport participation coincides with their loss of their athletic identity (how much they identify with their athlete role), often geographic upheaval, uncertainty of the future regarding alternate roles, and change in social support systems, which make this period more difficult to adjust to. This study explored the experiences of the retirement transition of graduating student-athletes. The current study aims to examine this unique experience through qualitative investigation into the collective experiences of student-athletes to identify overarching relevant themes common throughout this experience. The participants were 13 student-athletes who graduated in the Spring Semester of 2017 (May- June 2017), played their sport at a National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Institution at the Varsity level, and were not continuing to play their sport at the elite level. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants between five and eight months post-graduation. Thematic analysis was used to categorize participants’ responses and allow for an in-depth investigation of different factors affecting personal adjustment throughout this period. The five overarching themes identified were: the need for social connection, the impact of a goal-oriented mindset, preparedness for the transition, translatable skills from being a student-athlete, and the perspective of their own identity and purpose. The ability to shift perspective to retrospectively appreciate the student-athlete experience, while incorporating it as one part of their overall life journey, is discussed as a protective factor for positive transition outcomes. As the large majority of collegiate athletes do not continue to play their sport professionally, this population is in high need of continued guidance. The present work can inform interventions to aid student-athletes in this difficult transitional period. Mentorship from previously graduated student-athletes, coaches, or administrative programs are suggested as a tangible positive intervention strategy based off of the results. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Psychology 2018

Scholars have pointed to numerous struggles retiring college athletes face as they transition out of sport (e.g., anxiety, isolation, body image issues; Kiefer et al., 2021; Lavallee et al., 1997; McKnight et al., 2009; Papathomas & Lavallee, 2010; Papathomas et al., 2018; Semaia, n.d.; Smith & Hardin, 2018, 2020; Stokowski et al., 2019). Though research has explored individual transition experiences, what is missing is an investigation into existing programming offered by NCAA athletic departments and its effectiveness on athletes’ biopsychosocial (i.e., social, mental, and physical) well-being. This mixed-methods study examines programming available from institutions across NCAA divisions, its effectiveness, and areas of need. Research findings provide insight into the impact that current programming can have on athlete biopsychosocial well-being, specifically areas of nutrition, physical activity, and alumni participation. However, more consideration needs to be given to distributing these types of programmings across all three divisions. / Tourism and Sport

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This study explored student-athletes’ attitudes, stigmas, and preferences toward mental health and sport psychology services. Previous research has identified that student-athletes report similar rates of distress compared to the general student population (Davoren & Hwang, 2014; Frank, Hautzinger & Beckmann, 2013). While student-athletes are in need of mental health services, previous research has also found that student-athletes can benefit from the use of sport psychology services. Previous research has demonstrated the need to support student-athletes as people, students, and athletes (Andersen, Miles, Robinson, & Mahoney, 2004; Bond, 2002; Friesen & Orlick, 2010; Miller & Kerr, 2002). However, not all athletic departments offer mental health and sport psychology services for their student-athletes. Additionally, student-athletes, coaches, and athletic departments, often stigmatize mental health and sport psychology services which results in underutilization. In order to better understand the need and preferences of using these services from a student-athlete’s perspective, this study surveyed 174 iv NCAA Division 1 athletes. The findings of this study revealed that student-athletes were more likely to seek mental health and sport psychology services if they had a) positive attitudes toward seeking help, b) low levels of self-stigma and c) services accessible within their athletic department.

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