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Athletic trainers' barriers to maintaining professional commitment in the collegiate setting
Stephanie M Mazerolle1, Christianne M Eason, William A Pitney
1Department of Kinesiology, Athletic Training Program, University of Connecticut, Storrs;
Professional commitment in athletic trainers (ATs) is negatively impacted by life stage, work overload, organizational climate, and human resources. Strategies to build resilience can improve ATs' professional commitment.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Athletic Training
- Organizational Psychology
Background:
- Professional commitment is an individual's dedication to their work.
- The demanding environment of athletic training may influence how athletic trainers (ATs) perceive their professional commitment.
- There is limited understanding of professional commitment within the athletic training profession.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the professional commitment of athletic trainers (ATs) in collegiate settings.
- To identify factors influencing professional commitment among collegiate ATs.
Main Methods:
- A qualitative study was conducted with 33 Board of Certification-certified athletic trainers (ATs) in NCAA Division I, II, and III collegiate settings.
- Participants completed online journaling, with data analyzed using a general inductive method.
- Multiple-analyst triangulation and peer review were employed for data credibility.
Main Results:
- Four key themes emerged that negatively affect ATs' professional commitment: life stage, work overload, organizational climate, and human resources.
- Workplace factors (work overload, organizational climate, human resources) and external factors (life stage) significantly impact ATs' commitment.
- The study identified specific organizational and individual factors influencing professional commitment.
Conclusions:
- Factors negatively influencing collegiate ATs' professional commitment are often modifiable organizational elements.
- Developing individual and organizational resiliency strategies is recommended to enhance professional commitment for ATs.
- Addressing workplace and life stage factors can improve job satisfaction and retention in athletic training.
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