Gender Comparison of the Effects of Injuries on Athletes

Abstract

The purpose of this research study was to investigate the emotional and psychological responses to injury in both male and female collegiate athletes. The study involved 126 male and 126 female collegiate athletes. These athletes participated in baseball, basketball, cross country, diving, field hockey, golf, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis, volleyball, or water polo at a Southeastern Wisconsin Division III College. Each participant completed The Emotional Response of Athletes to Injury Questionnaire. Results were analyzed and indicated that the level of stress prior to injury was greater in female athletes than male athletes. Results also indicated that female athletes were more fearful to return to play after their injury than male athletes. The results of this study will be of special interest to all personal working with collegiate athletes, especially coaches. It is important that groups working with these athletes are aware of the psychological impacts that injuries have on athletes before and after their injuries.