Method: The study was limited to students and student athletes at a Division I institution in the southeastern United States. Participants were solicited from various sports teams and classes at the university. IRB approval and informed consent were obtained. All participants volunteered to participate. In total, 107 students completed the PSS, (n25) male athletes, (n25) male non-athletes, (n=18) female athletes, and (n=39) female non-athletes. The mean age for the groups were male athletes (M=20.04,SD±1.15), male non-athletes (24.08, SD±5.01), female athletes (M=19.72,SD±.894), and female non-athletes (M=23.79,SD±5.03).
Analysis/Results: Stress data were analyzed using a 2 x 2 factorial design with Gender (male or female) and Athletic Participation (yes or no) as the two independent variables. The total stress score was used as the dependent variable. Significant main effects were found for both Gender (F(1,103=4.99,p,<.028) and Athletic Participation (F(1,103)=8.214,p=.005, but no significant interaction (F(1,103,p=.887). Females had significantly higher mean stress scores (M-18.82,SD±6.10) than males (M=16.00,SD±6.87) and athletes had significantly higher mean stress score ((M=18.98,SD±5.37) that non-athletes (M=15.89,SD±6.98). These results infer that within the realm of the sports surveyed, athletes reported significantly more stress than non-athletes and females reported significantly more stress than males.
Conclusions: The data indicated a greater level of perceived stress for athletes than their non-athlete counterparts and for females among both groups. The additional stress of being a student-athlete was an expected outcome in the elevated perceived stress scores for athletes. However, the elevated scores for females, as opposed to males, for both groups were not. Current research suggests that females typically deal with stress more effectively than males. The researchers have no explanation for the discrepancy based on gender, but this is certainly a topic for investigation. Questions to be examined might include: Why would females perceive more stress than their male counterparts? Is the higher level of perceived stress a matter of self-imposed drive for excellence? Is it the lack of coping strategies? Or, do female students perceive stressors that male students do not? Since unmanaged stress is a huge factor in wellness, these are important questions to be addressed.