Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between identity, peer support, and motivation in collegiate student-athletes. To accomplish this, a survey was created and distributed to all student-athletes at The College of Wooster. Variables were broken down further into student identity, athletic identity, tangible athletic peer support, intangible athletic peer support, tangible academic peer support, intangible academic peer support, athletic motivation, and academic motivation. Demographic variables were also utilized, such as age, gender, athletic role, and sports played. Results indicated that females scored higher in student identity while males scored higher in athletic motivation. Additionally, the role a person plays on their team directly impacted levels of identity and peer support; specifically, starters experienced higher student identity and higher athletic peer support. Results also showed that academic and athletic variables are related to different types of peer support in different patterns depending on their dimensions and domains, displaying the complex relationship between collegiate athletics and academics.
Advisor
Zhu, Yi
Department
Communication Studies
Recommended Citation
McHugh, Grady Michael, "Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: The Relationship between Peer Influence, Motivation, and Identity in Collegiate Student-Athletes" (2020). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 8807.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/8807
Disciplines
Interpersonal and Small Group Communication | Other Communication
Keywords
student-athlete, peer support, student identity, athletic identity, motivation
Publication Date
2020
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2020 Grady Michael McHugh