Master of Public Health

Examining the influence of grit on athlete burnout and well-being in female collegiate student-athletes

AUTHORS

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: Collegiate student-athletes are faced with significant athletic and academic demands causing a substantial amount of stress, which can lead to athletic burnout. Problematically, little research has been done to find ways to prevent or mitigate the impact of athlete burnout in collegiate student-athletes. Grit is one characteristic that could be utilized as a coping mechanism to reduce the effects of athlete burnout and improve overall well-being.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to determine if grit has a main or buffering effect on well-being and athlete burnout in female collegiate student-athletes.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional.

SETTING: NCAA Division I institution.

PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: 174 female collegiate student-athletes were utilized for the study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The following scales were utilized to assess grit, athlete burnout and well-being: Grit Scale, Athlete Burnout Questionnaire, and Warwrick Edinburgh Metal Well-Being Scale.

RESULTS: Grit was a significant predictor for reduced sense of accomplishment (F(1,712)=20.40, p<0.001), physical and emotional exhaustion (F(1,172)=28.25, p<0.001), and sport devaluation (F(1,172)=40.32, p<0.001). Additionally, grit was a significant predictor of well-being (F(1,172)=29.68, p<0.001). The moderated regression with grit did not reveal significant results.

CONCLUSION: Findings of this study provide new information on considerations for reducing athlete burnout and improving well-being in female collegiate student-athletes. Athletic trainers and sports medicine stakeholders should consider intervention strategies for improving grit to mitigate athlete burnout and diminished well-being while continuing to explore their effectiveness.

Tags: 2023 Alumni Publications