Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Social Work
Document Type
Dissertation
Abstract
Abstract
Intercollegiate athletics generate significant interest in the United States, where concerns about the health and well-being of student-athletes have gained increased attention in recent years. Student-athletes face the same developmental challenges as their non-athlete college peers, but they also encounter biological, psychological, sociocultural, and spiritual challenges often introduced or exacerbated by their participation in sport. To assist this subgroup of the college student population in managing their various athletic, academic, and personal responsibilities, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has prioritized and implemented life skills programming. Yet, while much has been documented regarding life skills development at the youth sports level, less information is available on life skills development and transfer among collegiate student-athletes.
This study analyzes the associations between life skills and mental well-being among Division I collegiate student-athletes. It also examines the role of influential factors influencing life skill development and transfer, such as coach behavior, teammate behavior, and the sport environment. The Sport Social Work Lab at the University of Kentucky provided a dataset consisting of de-identified survey responses. Through OLS regression, mediation, and moderation analyses, results indicated that general life skills and select life skills, including social and emotional skills, significantly influence mental well-being. Additionally, coach and teammate behavior partially mediate the relationship between life skills and mental well-being. Findings from this study are discussed in the context of life skill development and transfer, limitations, and implications for policy and direct practice with NCAA student-athletes.
Date
4-3-2025
Recommended Citation
Shute, Lauren A., "The Influence of Life Skills, Teammate and Coach Behavior, and the Sport Environment on the Mental Well-Being of Intercollegiate Athletes" (2025). LSU Doctoral Dissertations. 6773.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_dissertations/6773
Committee Chair
Dr. James P. Canfield
DOI
10.31390/gradschool_dissertations.6773