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Honorable And Brilliant Labors, John D. Miller

Books

A primary source collection that offers a window into the mind of nineteenth-century author and public intellectual, William Gilmore Simms.

William Gilmore Simms was in his lifetime considered the South's preeminent man of letters, and Edgar Allan Poe once claimed that Simms was "immeasurably the greatest writer of fiction in America." Best known as a poet, novelist, and editor, Simms was also a public intellectual who intended that his work shape public opinion and public discourse. In Honorable and Brilliant Labors, editor John D. Miller collects Simms's public orations, a body of literature that ranks among the least studied of …

Sport Psychology Utilization Among College Football Coaches: Understanding College Football Coaches’ Attitudes About Sport Psychology, Aaron W. Halterman, Jesse A. Steinfeldt, Jeff Ruser, Julia Cawthra, Ashley Neidigh

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

As the field of Sport Psychology (SP) continues to expand and become more embedded within college athletic programs, it is necessary to assess practices by which sport psychology providers can be effective in delivering services and accessing populations. Football represents a particular athletic subculture that paradoxically needs services but can be difficult to access. This current study examined perspectives of college football coaches in order to further expand the understanding of college football coaches’ knowledge about sport psychology by assessing coaches’ abilities to identify mental health concerns and their willingness to refer student- athletes to mental health services. Coaches revealed …

Collegiate Athletes’ Use And Perceptions Of Institutional Sources Of Support For Role-Related Stressors, Sarah J. Hatteberg

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

Scholarship shows that in managing role-related strains, collegiate athletes have access to a wide range of institutional sources of social support, yet few studies have examined college athletes’ use or perceptions of these institutionally-based sources. Drawing on qualitative interviews conducted with a sample of athletes participating in a big-time collegiate athletic program, this study examined the extent to which athletes solicited social support from various institutional sources in coping with their role-related stressors. Findings suggest that while the majority of athletes solicited aid from institutional sources and appreciated the specialized support those sources were able to provide, athletes also believed …

College Athletes And Suicide Prevention: A Collaborative Autoethnography, Kim D. Gross, Lisa M. Rubin, Anne P. Weese

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

This collaborative autoethnography weaves together a personal and powerful story from a former college athlete turned student-athlete services professional with reflections from a licensed mental health counselor who works with student-athletes. Kim shared her own struggles with mental health as well as her initially unknowing impact on a teammate, who sought her support when contemplating suicide. Information about depression and suicide among college athletes is presented along with practical ways and resources for anyone who might work with student-athletes to know. Developing skills to talk to student-athletes about suicide is one method for professionals to participate in supporting the mental …

Black Football Student-Athletes’ Perceived Barriers To Seeking Mental Health Services, Todd A. Wilkerson, Sarah Stokowski, Alison Fridley, Stephen W. Dittmore, Charles A. Bell

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

Black male student-athletes have endured frequent stereotyping on college campuses (Hawkins, 2010). Additionally, Black student-athletes have experienced educational, campus, and athletic stressors (Miller & Hoffman, 2009). Many student-athletes do not seek mental health services because of their status on campus (Watson, 2005). The general population has experienced common barriers in seeking mental health services including low socio-economic status (Hurd, Stoddard, & Zimmerman, 2013) and negative stigmas related to metal illness (Wang et al., 2005). While it is reasonable to assume similar challenges exist for Black student-athletes, it must be investigated empirically. As such, the purpose of this study was to …

I Am Not Only A Student-Athlete: Investigating Social Identity Complexity As A Stereotype Threat Mitigation Strategy To Reduce Barriers To Academic Engagements, Jacob Alan English, Ann Cale Kruger

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

Collegiate athletes must contend with harmful stereotypes (e.g., intellectually lazy, unintelligent) during their academic careers (Comeaux, 2012). Research shows that student-athletes’ academic performance can be negatively impacted by stereotype threat (Riciputi & Erdal, 2017). Currently, there is no published evidence-based research on stereotype threat (ST) mitigation strategies targeted to student-athletes. Expanding the work of Gresky and colleagues (2005), this study explored a self-concept map activity, based on the social identity complexity theory, as one potential strategy for collegiate athletes. Seventy Division I athletes were randomly assigned to one of three experimental conditions (varying by the level of ST administered). ANOVA …

Antiblackness In College Athletics: Facilitating High Impact Campus Engagement And Successful Career Transitions Among Black Athletes, Eddie Comeaux, Sara E. Grummert

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

There are increasing concerns about the quality of educational experiences of NCAA Division I Black athletes in big-time college sports. Calls for reform have come from within colleges and universities and beyond. This article presents findings from a review of the extant research on high-impact engagement activities of Black athletes, which have been shown to be conditional on the campus racial climate and antiblack racism in the multibillion-dollar athletics enterprise. The article concludes with an introduction to the Career Transition Scorecard, a mechanism and process designed to shift cognitive frames among practitioners, foster evidence-based practices, and improve campus experiences and …

“There’S No Way I Can Do All Of This”: The Perceived Impacts Of Stress Exposure On The Academic Development Of Collegiate Athletes, Sarah Hatteberg

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

Literature on collegiate athletes’ academic engagement suggests that athletes’ exposure to competing and contradictory role expectations and an institutional prioritization of athletic excellence may negatively impact athletes’ academic and professional development. Few, however, have examined this possibility from the perspective of the athletes themselves. Using qualitative data collected from a sample of collegiate athletes, this study examined athlete perceptions of their stress exposures and how those impact their academic engagement and growth. Findings indicate that athletes across sports experienced role-related and institutional strains that impacted their academic development and professionalization. Specifically, athletes felt that their athletic role obligations and efforts …

An Examination Of Culturally Responsive Programming For Black Student-Athletes’ Holistic Development At Division I Historically White Institutions (Hwis), Shannon Jolly, Joseph N. Cooper, Jepkorir R. Chepyator-Thomson

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

There are significant gaps in positive educational outcomes of Black student-athletes when compared to their peers. These gaps reflect deficits in culturally responsive support for the academic success and holistic development of Black student-athletes at historically White institutions (HWIs). While research has examined athletic academic support programs, there is limited attention towards programming efforts that consider the unique experiences and needs of Black student-athletes at HWIs. Discrepancies in Black student-athletes’ academic performance and graduation rates at Division I HWIs question the effectiveness of athletic academic support programs. The purpose of this manuscript is to examine literature on culturally responsive programming …

The Sandusky Child Sexual Abuse Scandal: The Implications For Athletic Department Procedures, Training, Policy, And Child Welfare System Interactions, Emmett L. Gill Jr., Terrence Allen

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

The following is a narrative and critique of the Gerald A. Sandusky child sexual abuse scandal at Pennsylvania State University (Penn State). Using a convenience sample of regional and national media accounts, this manuscript summarizes the confirmed events of the Penn State sexual abuse controversy. This case study focuses on a) the child sexual abuse of three victims, b) the Penn State athletic department and university responses, and c) the interactions between Penn State and state and local child welfare systems. Next, the manuscript will present conceptual and analytical considerations related to the Sandusky child sexual abuse scandal including the …

“But It’S Joe Pa!” The Effects Of Social Identification On Sport Fan Perceptions Of The Penn State Case, Jason R. Lanter

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

This study examined the attitudes of football fans towards the recent events at The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State). The child sexual abuse allegations at Penn State led to the firing of the long-time head football coach and resignation of the university president. Using a snowball sampling technique, participants completed an online questionnaire that assessed their identification with the Penn State football team and their attitudes towards Penn State, and the coach and president. The fans who were high-identified with the football team were expected to demonstrate more support for the actions of, and less perceived responsibility and blame for …

One For The Team: Exploring The Relationship Between College Sport, Campus Community, And Academic Social Integration, Aaron W. Clopton

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

To examine the potential role that identifying with the athletics teams on campus as fan exerted upon a student’s level of academic and social integration, an online survey instrument was distributed to college students (N=1790) at four large, public research universities. Results indicated that fan identification significantly detracted from one’s grade point average. However, the extent to which one maintained that fan identity significantly contributed to the student’s academic and social integration level. Ultimately, though, the students’ perceived sense of community was found to mediate the relationship between fan identification and academic and social integration. Results suggest that the role …

An Investigation Of Male College Athletes’ Attitudes Toward Sexual- Orientation, Richard M. Southall, Mark S. Nagel, Eric D. Anderson, Fritz G. Polite, Crystal Southall

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

Multiple studies have found homophobic cultures within intercollegiate athletic departments. Accordingly, intolerance of gay/lesbian athletes (while most often forbidden by university policy), may still exist. Many “straight” athletes feel gay/lesbian/bi-sexual (GLB) athletes do not “belong” in college sport. In addition, female sport participants are frequently assumed to be lesbians. Within this social milieu, this study surveyed 698 male and female college athletes from four Division I & III universities in a traditionally conservative region, the Southeastern United States, to determine their attitudes toward sexual orientation. The primary research questions were: (a) “What are college-athletes’ attitudes toward sexual orientation?” and (b) …

Understanding Student-Athlete Reintegration: Using Social Work Strengths, Charlotte E. Dean, Jerry F. Reynolds Ii

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

The reintegration process that follows a student athlete’s unplanned retirement from sport is common among student-athletes. Upon reintegration there are factors that influence an athlete’s ability to remain on campus. These include positive social supports, personal skills, coping skills, and goal setting. There are also more negative reintegration factors such as isolation and role engulfment, limited social supports, lack of preparation, limited personal living skills and emotional regulation, and negative stereotypes from the general collegiate population. A case study helps illustrate the difficulties that a student-athlete may encounter during the reintegration process and how professionals can assist in a more …

The Emotional Needs Of Women In Sports: An Exploration Of Self-Efficacy, Self-Compassion, And Self-Conscious Emotions, Ginger S. Gummelt

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

This study examined the self-efficacy, self-conscious emotions, and self-compassion of women college athletes. While female athletes may benefit greatly from the athletic experience, little research has been done to address their emotional and mental well-being. Self-efficacy and the self-conscious emotions have been shown to be tied to both athletic success and emotional well- being while self-compassion has been identified as an effective tool for enhancing psychological well-being, particularly in athletes (Mosewich, Crocker, Kowalski, & DeLongis, 2013). In order to measure shame, a version of the Test of Self-Conscious Affect (Tangney & Dearing, 2003), was administered to volunteer subjects. Self-efficacy was …

Stepping Outside Of Their Comfort Zone: Perceptions Of Seeking Behavioral Health Services Amongst College Athletes, Matt Moore

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

Research has indicated that college athletes are at risk for a number of mental health problems—including depression, substance abuse, alcohol abuse, and disordered eating. An athlete’s willingness to seek out mental health services however is not fully understood. This study examined the level of comfort that college athletes have with seeking mental health services. Additionally, this study explored characteristics associated with reluctance in seeking mental health services. This study used a web-based survey to gather information from college athletes (N = 349). The researcher used descriptive and multivariate tests to analyze the data. This study found that college athletes reported …

Special Issue Editors’ Note: The Role Of Social Work Practice, Advocacy, And Research In College Athletics, Emmett L. Gill Jr., Diana Rowan, Matt Moore

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

No abstract provided.

Sexual Violence In Intercollegiate Athletics: A Historical Perspective Of Male Athletic Entitlement, Lorin Mordecai

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

Sexual violence within intercollegiate athletics is an understudied area of research in social work. Feminist theorists suggest that sexual violence reinforces male dominance as a result of living in a patriarchal society. Male college athletes participating in commercialized sports develop a sense of entitlement due to public admiration for their heroic athleticism. The college sports culture at large Division I universities sets the stage for sexual aggression and exploitation of women. This article seeks to identify themes of male athletic entitlement that perpetuates violence against women through a feminist perspective. Using a historical qualitative analysis, articles from major newspapers were …

Is There A Need For Social Workers In Intercollegiate Athletics? A Conceptual Study, Raymond Waller, Christina L. L. Martin, Samantha Morgan

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

Research regarding eating disorders among intercollegiate female athletes is well-documented. Since eating disorders have been categorized as potentially serious mental illnesses by the American Psychiatric Association (APA, 2013), professionals need to be knowledgeable and involved in the overall care of college athletes. However, those closest to the athlete such as athletic trainers and coaches often lack the knowledge to detect symptoms and/or ability to assist those afflicted with eating disorders. To make a difference, a health care professional, such as a clinically trained social worker, should be considered to assist with the well-being of athletes. This conceptual study explores the …

I Know I Can Learn: The Perceptions Of Ncaa Division I Football College Athletes With Learning Disabilities, Sarah Stokowski, Heather Blunt-Vinti, Robin Hardin, Benjamin D. Goss, Megan Turk

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

While 11% of all college students are reported to have a learning disability (National Center for Education Statistics, 2016), that percentage may be considerably higher when looking at National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I college athletes. Farrey (2009) reported as many as 54% of athletes on three revenue-producing teams at one institution had documented learning disabilities. Many students with learning disabilities are academically underprepared for the rigors of higher education and may be considered a vulnerable population within a higher education setting (Eckes & Ochoa, 2005). The purpose of this study is to examine Division I Football Bowl Series …

College Athletes And Crime: The Role Of Race, Age, And Peers And The Implications For Social Work Practice In College Sports, Emmett L. Gill Jr.

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

Almost every other day there is a news story about a college athletes’ involvement in an alleged crime. Indeed, one Sports Illustrated investigation found that, over an eight-month period in 2010, the number of crimes committed by college athletes averaged one every other day (Benedict, 2010). The current study is a secondary data analysis of a sample of 371 media articles documenting the arrests of college athletes between 2010 and 2015. The current study explores differences in the mean number of crimes committed by college athletes’ according to their classification, the number of perpetrators, and the perpetrators’ race across seven …

Special Issue Editors’ Note: Activism In College Sport, Joseph N. Cooper, Cherese F. Fine, Akilah Carter-Francique, Jennifer Hoffman

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

No abstract provided.

Resisting Resistance: Activism In/And The Political Economy Of Intercollegiate Athletics, Anthony J. Weems, Yannick Kluch

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

Drawing from political economic analysis, this essay argues the structural and ideological function of college sport is to maintain hegemonic order in the face of athlete activism. Briefly outlining the political economy of college sport, the authors point to how this political economy actively constrains athlete activism as a counter-hegemonic challenge. The authors discuss implications in the context of scholarly activism and call for a more radical, integrative orientation to research and teaching in relation to sporting activism(s). In doing so, this essay argues there is potential to challenge hegemonic structures that minimize agency and ultimately reshape the political economy …

Safe Space As Resistance For Black Women Student-Athletes, Tomika Ferguson

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

College athletes have increased participation in activism to combat racial injustice. Historically White institutions have been sites of marginalization and exclusion for Black women college athletes. This article interrogates how activism among Black women college athletes is an opportunity to disrupt oppressive higher education and athletic environments to create sustainable change. First, this article reviews literature that illustrates how Black women college athlete navigate higher education. Second, the article identifies how place, race, gender, and space within higher education exclude and limit Black women college athletes. Third, this article examines the intersection of activism and Black feminist thought within college …

Intergenerational Activism In College Sport: A Critical Examination Of The Civil Rights, Black Power, And Black Lives Matter Movement Eras, Joseph N. Cooper, Ajhanai C.I. Keaton, Cherese F. Fine

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

The purpose of this manuscript is to examine the influence of activism in and through college sport during two prominent eras of Black social movements, the Civil Rights movement (CRM) and Black Power movement (BPM) of 1950s-1970s and the Black Lives Matter movement (BLMM) of 2010s-2020s. Using a race- and sport-based analytic framework, distinctive forms of activism are examined to highlight similarities and differences in strategies, focal areas, and outcomes across time, space, and context. College sport is a highly visible feature of the United States (U.S.) and thus has served as an influential space for championing equity and racial …

Athlete Activism Through A Bioecological Lens: An Asset-Based Approach To Exploring Athletes’ Moral Development, Daniel Springer, Molly Harry, Wayne L. Black, Jonathan E. Howe

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

Since the onset of the global pandemic, there has been a sharp rise in Division I college athletes using their platforms to address inequity in college athletics. While it is unclear what factors are shaping this trend, understanding why college athletes engage in activism is imperative to better support them as they lean further into this practice. Accordingly, this manuscript seeks to outline a framework for examining activism in and through college sport over time, space, and context by utilizing Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological Process-Person-Context-Time Model. Examining athlete activism provides a mechanism to consider the way power, privilege, and oppression impact athletes’ …

College Athlete Activism: A Critical Race Theory Analysis Of Perceptions Of Support In The Fight For Social Justice, Molly Harry

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

Through three tenets of Critical Race Theory (CRT)—racism is ordinary, counter narratives, and commitment to social justice—this study surveyed athletes (n = 100) from one Power 5 conference on their perceptions of administrator and coach support received for their activism endeavors in the wake of George Floyd’s murder. Overall, most athletes surveyed perceived administrators and coaches supported their efforts by encouraging them to engage in activism, providing educational resources about race and activism, creating a respectful environment, and offering verbal encouragement. However, some athletes expressed athletics leaders did not do enough to bolster their activism or did not know of …

A Framework For Understanding Internal Athlete Activism In College Sport, Jessica K. Brougham, Christopher M. Mcleod

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

Most research on athlete activism has focused on external athlete activism, where high-profile athletes use broadcast media or social media platforms to engage in activism. This paper draws from organizational behavior literature and Cooper et al.’s (2019) operational definition of activism to conceptualize internal athlete activism. Athletes perform internal athlete activism through formal or informal organizational channels with the explicit goal of challenging organizational power structures to advance social justice aims. Internal athlete activism is characterized by 1) internal, upward voice, 2) prosocial intent, 3) a clear opponent, 4) challenging power structures, 5) specific goals or measurable objectives, 6) connection …

Improving Dementia Symptoms Through Personalized Music, Lindsay Grainger

SC Upstate Research Symposium

Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) is a prevalent, costly, and complicated disease. With over 6 million Americans affected and the cost of treatment soaring to over $320 billion dollars annually, there is a growing need for low-cost interventions to treat symptoms. Routinely listening to personalized music selections has been shown to reduce agitation—the most common symptom of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. The purpose of this study was to provide a personalized music listening (PML) intervention of thirty minutes to 10 nursing home residents with dementia. Thirty-minute PML sessions occurred multiple times a week over six weeks. The inclusion …

The Evolution Of The Nonprofit Sector In Nepal, Charles Harrington, Davis Jones

SC Upstate Research Symposium

The nonprofit sector in Nepal has grown exponentially over the last decade. Significant growth in the areas of education, economic development, health and human services, tourism, and environmental conservation has created a demonstrable need for nonprofit organizational support and development to address these emerging needs. This paper and accompanying oral presentation will address the underlying factors that have driven the growth of the nonprofit sector in Nepal, including, but not limited to the history of national philanthropy and community service, early formulation of the nonprofit sector, development of civil society, non-government organizational proliferation, earthquake response and resilience, the emergence of …