Abstract

The intent of this thesis is to explore the reasons why young athletes may conceal their sports injuries. In recent years, there has been much discussion about the long-term health implications that former athletes are dealing with as they live life after sports. Sports injuries including concussions, knee damage, and spinal injuries are all issues that could affect an athlete’s quality of life far beyond their playing days. It is well known around the athletic and medical communities that many athletes withhold information about their injury symptoms just to get back on to the field. Most worrisome about this fact, is the disregard of any long-term damage being done to their body. In this study, we explored the influence of social norms, perceived masculinity, and other external influences on athlete populations in an attempt to understand the reasons why injuries are so often under-reported and masked by athletes. Understanding the logic behind why athletes “play through” injuries and the external influences that may cause this behavior, is essential to athlete safety in the future. Results showed significant findings among highly masculine athletes and injury concealment as well as in athletes who feared losing a performance role and injury concealment. Those athletes who wish to appear tough and masculine as well as those athletes who may be fearful of losing a performance role were more likely to conceal their injuries. Athletes who are a part of a team were also likely to behave in the same way and understanding these reasons can help improve athlete safety in the years to come.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2015

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Rovito, Michael J.

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Health and Public Affairs

Department

Health Professions

Degree Program

Health Sciences Pre-Clinical

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Health and Public Affairs; Health and Public Affairs -- Dissertations, Academic

Format

PDF

Identifier

CFH0004761

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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