Date Created
12-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Biological Sciences
Department
College of Natural and Health Sciences, Biological Sciences, Biological Sciences Student Work
First Advisor
Megan Stellino
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine burnout among NCAA Division I student-athletes at one mid-sized University in the Rocky Mountains region of the United States and determine whether differences existed based on gender, sport type, competitive season stage, and burnout dimension. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was used and data was collected from 76 student-athletes across 11 varsity sports. Burnout was assessed using items adapted from the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ; Raedeke & Smith, 2001), along with additional items assessing fatigue and seasonal experiences.
Descriptive results showed the student-athletes reported the highest mean level of physical burnout, followed by reduced sense of accomplishment and mental burnout. Inferential analyses revealed no significant differences in burnout based on gender or sport type. However, a significant relationship was found between competitive season stage and sport type, with in-season being the most frequently reported period associated with burnout experiences. Additional analyses showed that athletes most commonly reported experiences of both mental and physical fatigue equally.
Overall, results indicate that burnout was experienced similarly across gender and sport type within the present sample, while seasonal timing may be an important factor in understanding burnout experiences among collegiate athletes. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring athlete well-being throughout the competitive season. Further research should examine burnout longitudinally across multiple institutions and competitive levels to better understand its development and progression.
Abstract Format
html
Keywords
Athletic burnout; NCAA Division I; collegiate student-athletes; mental and physical fatigue; athlete well-being; gender differences; sport type; competitive season; Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ)
Subject Categories
Health Psychology | Psychology of Movement | Sports Sciences
Language
English
Extent
42 pages
Rights Statement
Copyright is held by the author.
Digital Origin
Born digital
Recommended Citation
Wong, Anneliese, "Exploring Burnout Among NCAA Collegiate Athletes: The Impact of Gender, Sport, Seasonal Demands, and Other Contributing Factors" (2026). Undergraduate Honors Theses. 141.
https://digscholarship.unco.edu/honors/141