Evaluation of a resilience training program for college student-athletes: A pilot study

J Am Coll Health. 2023 Jan;71(1):310-317. doi: 10.1080/07448481.2021.1891083. Epub 2021 Mar 24.

Abstract

Objective: To determine if a resilience training program improved knowledge of and intention to use adaptive coping strategies among college student-athletes; and explore college student-athletes' experiences and satisfaction with program components. Participants: Division I college student-athletes. Methods: Pretest-posttest design with surveys completed at baseline and immediately post-program. Results: A total of 79 participants were included (n = 43 [54.4%] females; n = 36 [45.6%] males; Mage = 20.94, [SD = 1.05]). Overall intention to use adaptive coping strategies significantly increased from baseline (M = 29.05, SD = 4.50) to post-program (M = 32.38, SD = 5.62) (p = 0.0004), as did intentions to use the coping strategies seeking social support (p = 0.0037) and self-controlling (p = 0.0007). We found no statistically significant differences in knowledge scores from baseline to post-program. Conclusions: Resilience training may increase college student-athletes' likelihood of using adaptive coping strategies to manage academic and sport-related stressors.

Keywords: resilience; College student-athletes; coping; intervention.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Athletes
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pilot Projects
  • Sports*
  • Students*
  • Universities
  • Young Adult