Degree Name
Master of Science
Graduate Program
Mass Communication and Media Arts
Advisor
Thompson Jan
Abstract
Limited data exists in college athletics about mental health conditions, while physical health remains the higher priority. In order to contribute to the limited understanding of student-athletes’ cognitive behavior, a documentary on collegiate student-athletes is produced, utilizing athletic identity as its main theme. Furthermore, the documentary shares personal experiences of how athletes have handled the transition from athletic role to an alternate identity, and how that change effected them mentally.
The purpose of this study is to present evidence from a Division I athletic program to contribute towards answering the following questions:
- Are collegiate student-athletes struggling mentally with life after sports?
- What programs are in place to assist collegiate student-athletes with the transition?
It is hoped this study will inform the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and collegiate athletic programs about the cognitive behavior among collegiate student-athletes as they transition into life after sports. In addition, encourage institutions to implement strategies that’ll assist student-athletes successfully transition both professionally and mentally.