Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

2016

Thesis Director

John R. Storsved

Abstract

The focus of this study was to try and advance the understanding of athletic identity (AI) and its specific effects on former athletes. Previous studies in the area seem to focus on the relationship between AI, exercise habits, career maturity, and career transitioning of professional athletes. For example: Erpič, Wylleman, and Zupančič, (2004) examined former professional Slovene athletes. While those are important aspects of life former athletes encounter, the primary investigator (PI) felt it was important to understand the effects AI presents upon employment status of collegiate athletes who did not play professionally. Eighty-five former collegiate athletes participated and completed the basic demographic survey and Athletic Identity Measurement Survey (AIMS; Brewer, Van Raalte, & Linder, 1993). Gender and AI mean scores were examined using an independent sample t-test. An analysis of mean scores revealed that there was no significant relationship between gender and AI scores within the population. Although there was not a significant result, it is interesting to note there were higher AI mean scores in the female population. A one-way ANOVA analyses was used to examine a possible relationship between AI scores and current employment status. Results of the one-way ANOVA were also not significant. Although results for both research questions were not significant, future research focused on revenue generating sports (i.e., football or men's and women's basketball) which may provide a different result. More research and understanding can allow those in constant contact with athletes to assist in their transition to a meaningful career after sports.

Download

Share

COinS