Student-Athletes’ Religious Beliefs, Religious Behaviors, and Religious Identity at a Christian University

Abstract

Athletics occupies an ambiguous place within the greater university mission, particularly at religious institutions. Intercollegiate sports programs may purport to reinforce the university’s aim to develop the whole person, but the nature of athletics can compromise student-athlete religiosity and well-being. Little research has focused on the religiosity of student-athletes and the potential implications for religious institutions. Our analysis features data from 884 senior students at a private, religiously affiliated, NCAA Division I university. Comparing student-athletes to non-athletes, we found that student-athletes scored higher than non-athletes on religious beliefs, religious behaviors, and sense of religious identity.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Daniel M. Allen

a

Daniel M. Allen ([email protected]) is assistant professor of sociology at Olivet Nazarene University. His research centers on religion and spirituality among emerging adults.

Sean Strehlow

b

Sean Strehlow ([email protected]) is a postdoctoral fellow at Baylor University. His research is broadly concerned with the moral and faith development of college students.

Audrey M. Chisum

c

Audrey M. Chisum ([email protected]) is a recent graduate of Baylor University and is pursuing graduate studies.

Kevin D. Dougherty

d

Kevin D. Dougherty ([email protected]) is professor of sociology at Baylor University. His research examines the impact of religion on social life. He also regularly writes and speaks about innovative teaching.

Perry Glanzer

e

Perry Glanzer ([email protected]) is professor of educational foundations at Baylor University and a resident scholar with the Baylor Institute for Studies of Religion. He has authored numerous works on moral and faith-based education.

Sarah A. Schnitker

f

Sarah A. Schnitker ([email protected]) is associate professor of psychology at Baylor University. Her research explores virtue and character development in adolescents and emerging adults.