The Effect of Athletic Identity and Locus of Control on the Stress Perceptions of Community College Student-Athletes

Abstract

Over 72,000 student-athletes compete annually in athletic programs at the community college level. However, research addressing the effect of athletic participation on the psychological well-being of the community college student-athlete is sparse. This study represents an attempt to address this gap by examining the relationship among perceived stress, athletic identity, and locus of control in 144 student-athletes enrolled across three community colleges located in the southern United States. Utilizing hierarchical multiple regression analyses, the hypothesized two-factor predictor model was determined to account for 20% of the variance in student-athletes’ perceived stress. Additionally, results indicated that athletic identity represents a unique contribution to the variance in perceived stress. Suggestions for future research and implications for community college athletic department personnel, administrators, and college counselors were presented.