College Student-Athletes Have Higher GPAs But Do Not Differ From Non-Athletes in Key Psychological Outcomes

Sean Blumenfeld, Gabriela Barber, Sophia Fiz, Daniel Ceccoli, Patrick J. Cooper

Research output: Contribution to conferencePoster

Abstract

Research suggests that college student athletes experience more psychological and academic stressors than non-athletes. Therefore, it is prudent for universities to understand and plan to combat the psychological and academic risks that athletes experience. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in four psychological outcomes (stress, anxiety, depression, and resilience) and one academic outcome (GPA) for athletes (N = 44) vs. non-athletes (N = 207). The hypothesis for the study is that there is a significant difference in educational outcomes between student athletes and non-athletes; however, there is no significant difference is psychological outcomes.

The methodology of the study was a survey sent out to 251 students within a university setting. The participants of the study included athletes (N = 44) and non-athletes (N = 207). The study also consisted of 132 females and 117 males. The results from a series of independent samples t-tests suggest that there were no differences in stress, anxiety, or depression. However, athletes had a significantly higher GPA and marginally significantly lower resilience. Furthermore, there is no difference in depression. A unique finding here is that non-athletes reported slightly higher resilience, even though it is not statistically significant. This is surprising and warrants further research. More distinct is the finding that athletes had significantly higher GPAs. This finding makes sense, as many schools require athletes to maintain a minimum GPA to keep their scholarships and roster spots. Further implications of this research will be discussed.

Original languageAmerican English
StatePublished - Apr 19 2024
EventLynn University 2024 Student Research Symposium - Gordon and Mary Henke Wing | de Hoernle International Center, Boca Raton, United States
Duration: Apr 19 2024Apr 19 2024

Symposium

SymposiumLynn University 2024 Student Research Symposium
Abbreviated titleLSRS2024
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBoca Raton
Period4/19/244/19/24

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