The Effect of Athletic Identity and Locus of Control on the Stress Perceptions of Community College Student-Athletes

Over 72,000 student-athletes compete annually in athletic programs at the community college level. However, research addressing the effect of athletic participation on the psychologicalwell-being of the community college studentathlete is sparse. This study represents an attempt to address this gap by examining the relationship among perceived stress, athletic identity, and locus of control in 144 student-athletes enrolled across three community colleges located in the southern United States. Utilizing hierarchical multiple regression analyses, the hypothesized two-factor predictor model was determined to account for 20% of the variance in student-athletes' perceived stress. Additionally, results indicated that athletic identity represents a unique contribution to the variance in perceived stress. Suggestions for future research and implications for community college athletic department personnel, administrators, and college counselors were presented.