Religion and College Athletics: Antecedents and Consequences of Student-Athletes’ Perceived Religious Well-Being

Abstract

This study explored whether or not college athletic programs allow opportunities for the religious development and well-being of Christian student-athletes, and sought to identify factors that potentially relate to student-athletes’ religious well-being. This sample included seven Christian, former student-athletes from a major, Division-1 athletic program in the South. Participants were interviewed and themes were identified. Results suggest that participants had no expectations for athletic departments with regard to their religious well-being, but the administration still indirectly created a positive culture towards religious expression. Participants’ religious well-being was closely connected to specific athletic, academic, and social influences and outcomes. Managerial and legal implications associated with religion in public institutions are discussed. Future research should further examine the identified influences and outcomes in this research related to religious well-being and how to foster the religious well-being of those student-athletes who desire this experience.

Keywords:

• religion
• intercollegiate athletics
• student-athletes
• well-being