REPORTED STRESS AND INJURY OCCURRENCE IN DIVISION I COLLEGIATE STUDENT ATHLETES

Abstract

Experiencing stress is a normal part of life for college students. Injuries is a regular part of life for collegiate student athletes. The goal of this study was to determine if there is an association between reported stress and injury occur- rence in student athletes and what stressors were most related to injury occur- rence. Participants (N =127) included current Division I student athletes. Using their score on the College Student Athletes’ Life Stress Scale and injury demo- graphic, it was determined student athletes who had an injury reported signifi- cantly more stress than those who were not injured. Stress in the injury category was predictive of injury occurrence. There is a need for those involved in athletics to understand how stress can impact student athletes. Increased stress may put student athletes at additional risk for injury. More research is needed on whether mitigation tactics can help decrease that risk.