Graduate Research Papers

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Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Abstract

Burnout is a phenomenon that has been identified as being present in the profession of athletic training. Burnout in athletic trainers can come from a variety of job related stressors. Athletic training students in Athletic Training Education Programs (ATEP) are exposed to many of these same stressors in addition to the stress related to being a college student. The objective of this study was to first identify which students at one A TEP program are experiencing burnout, and secondly to conduct qualitative interviews to identify sources of stress and coping mechanisms. Sixty participants completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory survey to identify the high and low burnout students to be interviewed. The results of the survey revealed that no students scored high in all three sub scales and most students scored in the low to moderate range on the three burnout scales. A weak positive correlation was noted between years in the A TEP program and personal accomplishments, a weak negative correlation between year in the ATEP program and number of hours spent studying, and a moderate positive correlation between scores on emotional exhaustion and scores on depersonalization. Females were more likely to have higher levels of emotional exhaustion as compared to males in the A TEP program. Although no students were experiencing high burnout in all three categories, high burnout was noted in many students in at least one sub scale. Four students that scored lower on the survey and four students that scored higher on the survey were recruited for qualitative interviews. Grounded theory was used to code the qualitative interviews. Sources of stress for students in the high burnout group included: time commitment, not enough time for friends and family, lots of school work, and lots of time at clinical education sites. Low burnout students' sources of stress included: time commitment and lots of school work. Coping mechanisms for the high burnout group included: being organized, depending on family, and enjoying the people they work with. The low burnout students' coping mechanisms included: depending on family, enjoying the people they work with, and making time for family and friends. Differences between high and low burnout students revealed that high burnout students may feel more pressure and stress from the high work load of school and clinical rotations, and have less time for social support from family and friends. Interview also revealed that males are viewed as being more relaxed and laid back as compared to females which could explain the higher levels of emotional exhaustion in female ATEP students. Identifying these sources of stress and coping mechanisms can help A TEP program directors shape their program to help students and also inform prospective students of the demands associated with being an athletic training student before they enter the program.

Year of Submission

2012

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

Peter Neibert

Comments

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Date Original

2012

Object Description

1 PDF file (57 pages)

Language

en

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