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A Qualitative Examination of the Factors Influencing the Well-Being of Student-Athletes During a COVID-19 Affected Academic Year / LAURA SMITH
Swansea University Author: LAURA SMITH
Abstract
Limited research attention has been directed towards understanding and exploring the well-being and mental health of university student-athletes, especially within the UK. This study, therefore, investigated the factors perceived to positively and negatively impact the well-being of high-performance...
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Swansea
2022
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| Institution: | Swansea University |
| Degree level: | Master of Research |
| Degree name: | MSc by Research |
| Supervisor: | Hill, Denise ; Knight, Camilla J. |
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa60293 |
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| Abstract: |
Limited research attention has been directed towards understanding and exploring the well-being and mental health of university student-athletes, especially within the UK. This study, therefore, investigated the factors perceived to positively and negatively impact the well-being of high-performance student-athletes within a UK university during a COVID-19 affected academic year. Furthermore, this study aimed to understand the factors perceived to impact the help-seeking behaviours of high-performance student-athletes and to provide recommendations that can be implemented to support the well-being of student-athletes. This study employed a qualitative methodology. Specifically, semi-structured interviews were completed with a sample of 27 participants which included 21 high-performance student-athletes (11 male, 10 female), five of their coaches (three male, two female), and one university sports officer (female). Each student-athlete and coach were recruited from six high-performance sports teams including American football, football, hockey, netball, rugby, and swimming. Data were analysed using thematic analysis (Braun & Clark, 2019) and several factors perceived to impact the well-being and help-seeking behaviours of high-performance student-athletes were identified. The factors perceived to impact student-athlete well-being included the pursuit of a dual career, injuries, relationships, leadership, finances, and nutrition. Additionally, although the COVID-19 pandemic had some positive effects on the well-being of student-athletes in the short-term, overall, the restrictions implemented were perceived to have a negative effect. This was due to factors such as lack of control, direction, purpose, and motivation, as well as the removal of resources deemed to be important protective factors including participation in sport and social support. Moreover, it was perceived that previous experience, available resources, established support systems, and stigma influenced the help-seeking behaviours of student-athletes. This study extends previous findings regarding the factors that affect student-athlete well-being and help-seeking behaviours – especially during a COVID-19 affected academic year. |
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| Keywords: |
Well-being, student-athletes, COVID-19, university student-athletes |
| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |