Balancing Academics & Athletics: Student Athlete Well-being

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Introduction

Sports participation among students has long been a topic of interest, given its potential impact on both academic performance and overall well-being. This essay aims to explore the multifaceted effects of sports involvement on student athletes, particularly focusing on the challenges they face and the consequences for their academic and mental health. Through an examination of related literature and studies, we seek to gain insights into the complexities of the student-athlete experience.

It is worth noting that in addition to the challenges and negative consequences, there are also positive aspects to sports involvement for student athletes.

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While we will explore the drawbacks and potential pitfalls, it is essential to recognize that participation in sports can cultivate valuable life skills, discipline, and teamwork, as well as contribute to personal growth. However, the discussion herein will primarily center on the often-overlooked difficulties faced by student athletes in balancing their academic and athletic pursuits.

Related Literature

Balancing Academics and Athletics

One of the most pressing challenges faced by student athletes is the delicate balance they must strike between their academic responsibilities and rigorous sports commitments.

Research has shown that these young individuals often find themselves in a constant struggle, akin to a tightrope walk, as they endeavor to fulfill their obligations both in the classroom and on the field. According to Lynn O’Shaughnessy (2014), student athletes tend to allocate more time to sports than to their academic pursuits, a situation exacerbated by strenuous workouts and demanding academic workloads.

Kacie Reuss (2016) sheds light on the immense stress that student athletes undergo due to the overwhelming school workload intertwined with rigorous training and games.

This pressure often leads to class absenteeism and sleep deprivation, which, in turn, negatively affects their ability to study and complete assignments. It becomes evident that being a student-athlete is, as stated on the Athletic Scholarship College Student Athletes’ Demands and Workload website, "a lot more challenging," demanding the constant juggling of academic and sporting commitments without sacrificing their social lives.

Academic Stress

While academic pressure is a commonality among students, student athletes grapple with unique stressors that arise from the clash between sports, academics, and family expectations. This collision of responsibilities can overwhelm their physical, mental, and emotional stability, as GoodTherapy (2012) points out. Darian Nourian (2015) underscores the toll of balancing academics, practices, and competitions on the minds and bodies of student athletes, eventually leading to stress and burnout.

Ohio University's blog article titled "Stress and School Sports" highlights how sports participation exposes student athletes to additional stress and anxiety compared to their non-athlete peers. These academic challenges, coupled with their rigorous training regimes, create a unique cocktail of stressors that impact their overall well-being.

Mental Health Concerns

Mental health is a growing concern among student athletes, with sleep deprivation emerging as a significant issue. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that nearly 68.9% of high school students do not get enough sleep, which can have dire consequences for their mental and physical health. The National Sleep Foundation emphasizes the importance of sleep for memory consolidation and hormonal balance, highlighting the risks of fatigue, low focus, and even anger issues due to lack of sleep (Holly Benjamin, MD and Sean Engel, MD, 2016).

Moreover, depression is a prevailing mental health challenge among student athletes. Factors like packed schedules, relationships with coaches, and missed classes unique to their athlete status contribute to this issue, as noted by Ann Kearns Davoren and Seunghyun Hwang from the NCAA Sport Science Institute. The prevalence of depression and anxiety among student athletes is underscored by the Intercollegiate Athletics Parents Education, which states that nearly 80% of student athletes experience depression weekly. The National Collegiate Athletic Association recognizes the increased risk of mental health issues related to stress that student athletes face compared to their non-athlete peers (as cited in Johnson and Johnsen, 2016).

In addition to sleep deprivation and depression, student athletes are also susceptible to anxiety disorders and burnout. Sports participation exposes them to high levels of stress from daily life and sport events, as evidenced by research conducted by Frank Jing-Horng Lu et al. (2012). Burnout, described as an increase in perceived stress-induced costs outweighing benefits, is a looming concern that impacts the mental health of student athletes, as indicated by Dubuc-Charbonneau and Durand-Bush (2015).

Long-term Health Problems

Student athletes' involvement in sports exposes them to long-term health concerns that extend beyond their active years. Physically, they face risks such as worse physical function, depression, fatigue, and chronic injuries that may persist long after graduation (Loyola University Health System, 2014). Despite their superior physical fitness, student athletes must remain cautious to avoid injuries like broken bones, strained muscles, and concussions (Student Caffe Corporation, 2017).

It is essential to recognize that past injuries, such as torn ligaments and tendons, can haunt them for decades and potentially limit their future physical activities (Ian McMahan, 2017). These sustained injuries take a toll on their physical and emotional health, often leading to shortened athletic careers (Jamias, 2014).

Beyond physical injuries, student athletes face the risk of developing eating disorders and succumbing to the allure of alcohol use. Environmental stressors, societal pressures, and the demands of social media contribute to their vulnerability (Eidemiller, 2017). The NCAA Sport Science Institute highlights how aspects of the sports environment can increase the risk of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder (Ron Thompson). Student athletes' susceptibility to eating disorders is further exacerbated by rigid training schedules and academic stressors (Ekern, 2017).

Sleep deprivation and increasing academic demands are linked to the risk of injuries among student athletes, particularly those who participate in high school sports (Milewski et al., 2014). These injuries, including fractures and concussions, pose significant challenges and potential long-term consequences for these young individuals (Rachel et al., 2008).

Moreover, a study by Yang et al. (2012) suggests that overuse injuries are more prevalent than acute injuries, with female student-athletes being at a higher risk of overuse injuries while males experience more acute injuries. Recurrent injuries are often more severe than initial ones, further underscoring the physical toll of sports participation (Swenson et al., 2008).

Positive Aspects of Sports Involvement

It is crucial to acknowledge that sports involvement can offer positive outcomes for student athletes. In addition to the physical and mental health challenges they face, sports can cultivate valuable life skills and attributes. Research indicates that participation in sports can lead to increased motivation, self-confidence, and teamwork skills.

In a study conducted by Lee Sitkowski (2008), it was found that student athletes who incorporate academics into their sports training can experience a higher sense of confidence and motivation.

The physical requirements of sports, such as speed and strength, allow student athletes to better appreciate and understand their bodies, according to a study by Greenleaf, Boyer, and Petrie (2009).

Furthermore, Martin Camiré and Pierre Trudeau (2010) conducted a study highlighting the social value of teamwork as one of the most important values developed by student athletes. Chen, Snyder, and Magner (2010) found that sport participation positively influenced various aspects of student athletes' development, including health, work ethics, creativity, self-esteem, confidence, cultural acceptance, academic performance, and overall growth.

Erin Massoni (2011) also observed that student athletes learn valuable life lessons about discipline, self-respect, and self-confidence. The study conducted by Troy Lemke in 2015 showed that many student athletes exhibit positive academic habits such as attending classes regularly, submitting assignments on time, and maintaining above-average grades. Additionally, research supported by Jennifer Dilley-Knoles, Jeffrey S. Burnett, and Kayla W. Peak in 2017 suggested that athletes tend to perform better academically during their in-season periods compared to out-of-season.

Conclusion

In summary, student athletes confront a multitude of physical and mental health challenges, ranging from sleep deprivation and depression to long-term injuries and eating disorders. These issues underscore the importance of further research and interventions to safeguard the well-being of student athletes. However, it is crucial to remember that sports involvement is not without its merits. It can instill valuable life skills, boost confidence, and foster a sense of discipline and teamwork, contributing positively to the overall growth and development of student athletes.

While this essay has primarily focused on the challenges faced by student athletes, it is essential to strike a balance between acknowledging these difficulties and recognizing the potential benefits of sports involvement. Ultimately, a holistic approach is needed to support and enhance the well-being of these dedicated individuals as they navigate the demanding terrain of academic and athletic pursuits.