Date of Submission
5-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Doctor of Health Science
Department
Health Sciences
First Advisor
Karl E. Minges, Ph.D., MPH
Second Advisor
Sheahon Zenger, Ph.D.
Third Advisor
Michael J. Urban, OTD, MBA, M.S
LCSH
Brain--Concussion, Sports injuries, College athletes
Abstract
Sports have risks associated with participation, including the potential for a sports-related concussion (SRC). The timely disclosure of concussion symptoms, especially given the lack of third-party observable signs and symptoms, is essential to mitigate both the short-term and longterm health consequences of delayed or no treatment. Previous studies demonstrated that a lack of reporting appears to be the social norm, a culture of nondisclosure or delayed reporting derived from a Student-Athlete's perceptions and attitudes toward SRCs. To date, Division II (DII) Student-Athletes are an understudied population and, given the disparate and lower funding and support of DII programs, and lower post-collegiate professional sport opportunities, there is a need to study the DII population. This study, therefore, aims to understand DII Student-Athletes' perspectives and attitudes on disclosing concussion symptoms and identify common themes that summarize such perspectives and attitudes.
This study selected eligible Student-Athletes from the University of New Haven, a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) DII university, who participated in certain sports that are considered to have a higher risk of concussion. This research utilized a pre-focus group questionnaire to collect demographic information on participants and responses to five hypothetical situations. Then, each focus group explored Student-Athletes' experiences and perspectives on concussion disclosure. Responses were then analyzed using the constant comparison method to develop overarching themes. These themes consisted of the following: Lack of Connectedness, Loss of Role as a Student-Athlete, Fear of Failure, and Priority as a Student- Athlete versus Concern for Future Health. It was found that a Student-Athlete's attitudes and perspectives on concussion disclosure are not necessarily one-dimensional, but may be multidimensional. As a result of the multidimensional findings of this study, interventions should be considered to aid in encouraging and facilitating disclosure behaviors to mitigate a Student- Athlete's proclivity toward nondisclosure. Future studies should continue investigating Division II Student-Athlete perspectives and other levels of amateur youth athletics to gain a more comprehensive perspective on Student-Athletes' perspectives and attitudes toward disclosure to facilitate further and develop applicable interventions to change attitudes and perspectives. In addition, future research could undertake a game theoretic analysis to understand the mutual independence of reporting amongst competing Student-Athletes.
Recommended Citation
Marks, Aaron S., "Disclosure of Concussion Symptoms: Perspectives of NCAA Division II Student-Athletes" (2024). Health Science Doctoral Thesis. 9.
https://digitalcommons.newhaven.edu/healthscidocthesis/9