Evaluation of a resilience training program for college student-athletes: A pilot study

Abstract

<b>Objective:</b> To determine if a resilience training program improved knowledge of and intention to use adaptive coping strategies among college student-athletes; and explore college student-athletes' experiences and satisfaction with program components. <b>Participants:</b> Division I college student-athletes. <b>Methods:</b> Pretest-posttest design with surveys completed at baseline and immediately post-program. <b>Results:</b> A total of 79 participants were included (<i>n</i> = 43 [54.4%] females; <i>n</i> = 36 [45.6%] males; M_age = 20.94, [SD = 1.05]). Overall intention to use adaptive coping strategies significantly increased from baseline (<i>M</i> = 29.05, <i>SD</i> = 4.50) to post-program (<i>M</i> = 32.38, <i>SD</i> = 5.62) (<i>p =</i> 0.0004), as did intentions to use the coping strategies seeking social support (<i>p</i> = 0.0037) and self-controlling (<i>p</i> = 0.0007). We found no statistically significant differences in knowledge scores from baseline to post-program. <b>Conclusions:</b> Resilience training may increase college student-athletes' likelihood of using adaptive coping strategies to manage academic and sport-related stressors.