Graduate Research Papers

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Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify differences that may exist in the perceived importance of specific wellness components, and their contributions to an individual's total wellness among: (1) athletes and nonathletes and (2) males and females at a community college in rural Iowa.

This descriptive study utilized a sample consisting of all spring semester students that lived in the residence halls at a community college in rural Iowa. The sample included 77 females and 145 males, for a total of 222 students. Of the 77 females, 18 were athletes, while 59 were nonathletes. Of the 145 males, 78 were athletes, while 67 were nonathletes.

The survey instrument, developed by the researcher, was designed to elicit data relevant to perceived importance of wellness components. The questionnaire was based on a review of related literature.

A cover letter and survey was sent to each resident. The cover letter included an explanation of the research project, directions for the completion and return of the survey, and assurance of confidentiality of responses. Approximately two weeks later, a follow-up letter was mailed to those students who failed to return the questionnaire. Included with the follow-up letter was another questionnaire. Respondents were allowed approximately two more weeks to complete and return the questionnaire.

The data were collected and analyzed. Totals for each specific wellness component were obtained from each observed group, or combinations thereof:

1. Males

2. Females

3. Athletes

4. Nonathletes

Comparisons of the perceived importance of each specific wellness component, relative to an individual's total wellness, were made for each observed group. Somewhat to the surprise of the researcher, each observed group found the emotional component of wellness to be the most important component, relative to its contribution to an individual's total wellness. Spiritual wellness, on the other hand, ranked among the least important. More specifically, the males (athletes and nonathletes) found spiritual wellness to be the least important, while the females ranked it slightly higher. It is interesting to note that the females (athletes and nonathletes) found the intellectual component to be the least contributory to total wellness.

It is apparent that all of our observed groups are aware of the importance of emotional wellness. In an effort to standardize and evaluate group variance, the Spearman Rank-Difference Correlation was used, as well as Kendall's Coefficient of Concordance. The results of these tests indicated, although the mean totals suggest variance among the observed groups, this variance is not extreme. Generally speaking, wellness perceptions remain fairly consistent among all observed groups.

Year of Submission

1992

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services

First Advisor

Jeanette Marsh

Comments

If you are the rightful copyright holder of this graduate research paper and wish to have it removed from the Open Access Collection, please submit an email request to scholarworks@uni.edu. Include your name and clearly identify the thesis by full title and author as shown on the work.

Date Original

4-1992

Object Description

1 PDF (vi, 55 pages)

Language

en

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