Differences Between Athletes and Non-Athletes in Risk and Health Behaviors in Graduating High School Seniors
Irene Markman Geisner1, Joel Grossbard1, Sean Tollison1
1University of Washington, Department of Psychiatry & Behavior Sciences.
Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse
|April 24, 2023
Summary
Student athletes face more risks like drinking and dieting, but also benefit from exercise. Athletic involvement presents a mixed picture for health behaviors in high school seniors transitioning to college.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Adolescent Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Student athletes may experience unique stressors.
- Research on sports as a protective or risk factor for health behaviors yields mixed results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare health behaviors of high school athletes and non-athletes.
- To examine gender and ethnicity differences in health behaviors among student athletes.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed 653 high school seniors admitted to a west-coast university.
- Compared 513 athletes with 140 non-athletes on various health behaviors.
Main Results:
- Athletes reported higher rates of drinking, with trends towards more gambling and dieting.
- Female athletes dieted significantly more than male athletes or female non-athletes.
- Athletes exercised more and spent less time on video games and internet use.
Conclusions:
- Athletic participation is linked to increased risky behaviors (e.g., drinking) and decreased problematic behaviors (e.g., excessive screen time).
- Findings inform prevention and intervention strategies for adolescent athletes' health.
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