| This research study examined environmental and individual predictors of high-risk behaviors among Division I and II male student-athletes and non-athletes. Prior research shows that taking part in college athletics may position student-athletes to be at greater risk for poor psychological functioning (depression, anxiety, and stress), social peer pressures, and high-risk behaviors (Thombs, 2000). Consequently, the author sought to examine further the relationship between college student-athletes and high-risk behaviors by exploring athlete status, athletic identity, and psychological distress. There were 62 participants from Divisions I and II who participated in a team or individual sport in addition to male undergraduate and graduate non-athletes. The College Alcohol Problem Scale-revised (CAPS-r) and Sexual Health Practices Self-Efficacy Scale (SHPSES) were used to assess high-risk behavioral outcomes among the participants. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that athlete status, athletic identity, and psychological distress do not predict high-risk behaviors in male college student-athletes or non-athletes. However, additional regression analyses indicated a positive relationship between psychological distress and alcohol-related problems, F (2,62) = 5.24, p = .01. Alcohol-related problems include feeling depressed, unplanned sexual activity, driving under the influence, and problems with sleeping or appetite. Secondary analyses found that low-risk student-athletes ( M = 46.7) reported higher levels of athletic identity in comparison to high-risk student-athletes (M = 49.1). The author also found significant group differences between in-season (M = 21.18, SD = 2.71) and off-season student-athletes ( M = 26.28, SD = 8.74) relating to psychological distress, t (41) = -1.88, p = .03. The findings, practical application, and limitations of the study are discussed. |
