SOURCES OF CHRONIC STRESS AMONG ATHLETIC TRAINING STUDENTS PRIOR TO TAKING THE BOARD OF CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the sources of chronic stress among athletic training students preparing for the National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification (NATABOC) examination. Participants included 11 senior athletic training students from a NCAA Division I University located in the southeastern United States. Personal interviews were conducted within ten days of the participant taking the NATABOC examination. Interview questions addressed what type of stressors the ATS endured prior to the examination and what domains caused the most stress and what domains they felt the most prepared for prior to, during, and following the NATABOC examination. Using deductive content analysis, three categories emerged. Time management, meeting expectations, and personal life were the three themes and all participants' responses were categorized into one or more of these themes. Participants also reported that they were frequently stressed prior to the examination and were most stressed about the Organizational and Professional Health and Well-being domain prior to, during, and following the NATABOC examination. The results of this study suggest that senior ATS preparing for the NATABOC examination are under significant stress levels due to the demands of school and their ATEP. Future research is needed in this neglected area of study due to the high stress levels of ATSs preparing for the NATABOC examination and the expectations of the student athletic trainers.