Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 30, 2025

A Neuroscientific Approach to the Examination of Concussions in Student-Athletes
Published on: December 8, 2014
Perceived social norms and concussion-disclosure behaviours among first-year NCAA student-athletes: implications for
Johna K Register-Mihalik1,2, Stephen W Marshall2,3, Melissa C Kay1,4
1Matthew Gfeller Sport-Related Traumatic Brain Injury Research Center, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Abstract:
Timely disclosure and identification of concussion symptoms are essential to proper care. Perceived social norms are a potential driving factor in many health-related decisions. The study purpose was to describe concussion disclosure behaviours and identify the association between perceived social norms and these disclosure behaviours. First-year student-athletes (n = 391) at two NCAA institutions completed a cross-sectional survey about concussion disclosure and disclosure determinants. Log-binomial regression models identified factors associated with concussion disclosure behaviour prevalence for: higher intention to disclose symptoms, disclosed all at time of injury, eventually disclosed all, and never participated with concussion symptoms. More favourable perceived social norms were associated with higher prevalence of intention to disclose (PR = 1.34; 95%CI: 1.18, 1.53) and higher prevalence of never participating in sports with concussion symptoms (PR = 1.50; 95%CI: 1.07, 2.10). Clinicians, coaches, sports administrators, and healthcare practitioners should be mindful of the need to create supportive social environments to improve concussion symptom disclosure.
Related Concept Videos
Conformity
Impact of Social Context on Individuals
The Stanford Prison Experiment
Conduct Disorder
Social Facilitation
Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other

