The Mediating Effect of Exercise Adherence in the Relationship between Grit and Athlete Performance of Taekwondo Student-Athletes

This study explored whether gender differences exist in social support, optimism/pessimism, and psychological well-being among university student athletes and examined the relationship among these three variables and the mediating effect of optimism/pessimism. A total of 322 university student athletes (159 men and 163 women) who were Division 1 athletes participated in this study. The research instruments used in this study comprised the revised Athletes’ Received Support Questionnaire, the Life Orientation Test, and the Psychological Well-Being Scale. The results demonstrated the influence of gender differences for some variables. Regarding pessimistic tendency and autonomy (a dimension of the Psychological Well-Being Scale), the average scores of men were significantly higher than those of women. Regarding the other three dimensions of the Psychological Well-Being Scale (purpose in life, positive relationships with others, and personal growth), the average scores were higher for women than for men. Moreover, significant positive correlations were observed among social support provided by coaches, optimism, and psychological well-being. Optimism mediated the relationship between social support and psychological well-being, and pessimism was negatively correlated with psychological well-being; however, the mediating path was not significant. Finally, suggestions for future research and practical implications are proposed for researchers, educators, and supervisors in the field of sports.

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The Role of Athletic Identity in the Relationship Between Difficulty Thinking or Concentrating and Academic Service Use in NCAA Student-Athletes

Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology ◽

10.1123/jcsp.2015-0028 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 309-323 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Kevin M. Antshel ◽

Laura E. VanderDrift ◽

Jeffrey S. Pauline

Keyword(s):

Student Athletes ◽

Service Use ◽

Mediating Effect ◽

Student Athlete ◽

Grade Point ◽

Support Resources ◽

The Relationship ◽

College Student Athletes ◽

Academic Resources

The NCAA Growth, Opportunities, Aspirations and Learning of Students in College data were used to explore the relationship between self-reported high levels of difficulties thinking or concentrating and grade point average (GPA) in college student-athletes. We specifically investigated the mediators of the relationship between self-reported high levels of difficulties thinking or concentrating and GPA. Results revealed there was a significant indirect effect between self-reporting the highest level of difficulties thinking or concentrating and service use through GPA, moderated by identity, full model: F(4, 14738) = 184.28, p < .001; R2 = .22. The athletic/academic identity variable acted as a moderator of the mediating effect of GPA on the relationship between self-reported high levels of difficulties thinking or concentrating and the use of academic resources on campus. If a student-athlete who is self-reporting high levels of difficulties thinking or concentrating identifies more as a student, GPA is likely to prompt academic service use. However, if the student-athlete identifies more as an athlete, GPA is less likely to lead to use of campus academic support resources.

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