Presenter(s)
Paige Christianson, Kaidin Barnes, Kylie Buck, and Kyra Nelson
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore differences in stress mindset, perceived stress, and extreme life stressors among athlete and non-athlete college students. The sample included participants recruited from a Midwestern university (N = 312), in which 28.2% identified as an athlete in either a NCAA Division II team and/or a sports club. Participants completed an online anonymous Qualtrics survey answering questions measuring their stress mindset, perceived stress, and current most extreme life stressor. Comparisons between the two groups, stress mindset scores and perceived stress scores were evaluated through independent samples t-tests, while differences in most extreme life stressor was compared through a Chi-square analysis. Findings showed no significant difference between groups for stress mindset score, indicating that both athletes and non-athletes view stress as debilitating. Results for perceived stress also showed no significant difference between groups, suggesting similar experiences of stress. Lastly, findings for the most extreme stressor showed a significant difference between the groups. Overall, findings suggest that both athletes and non-athletes experience similar mindsets and the experience of stress, while their most extreme stressor varied.
College
College of Liberal Arts
Department
Psychology
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Tricia Karr
Location
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
Start Date
4-23-2026 9:00 AM
End Date
4-23-2026 10:00 AM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
1a=9am-10am
Poster Number
9
What is the Impact of Stress? A Comparison Study of College Athletes & Non-Athletes
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
The aim of this study was to explore differences in stress mindset, perceived stress, and extreme life stressors among athlete and non-athlete college students. The sample included participants recruited from a Midwestern university (N = 312), in which 28.2% identified as an athlete in either a NCAA Division II team and/or a sports club. Participants completed an online anonymous Qualtrics survey answering questions measuring their stress mindset, perceived stress, and current most extreme life stressor. Comparisons between the two groups, stress mindset scores and perceived stress scores were evaluated through independent samples t-tests, while differences in most extreme life stressor was compared through a Chi-square analysis. Findings showed no significant difference between groups for stress mindset score, indicating that both athletes and non-athletes view stress as debilitating. Results for perceived stress also showed no significant difference between groups, suggesting similar experiences of stress. Lastly, findings for the most extreme stressor showed a significant difference between the groups. Overall, findings suggest that both athletes and non-athletes experience similar mindsets and the experience of stress, while their most extreme stressor varied.
