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

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

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