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Ncaa Division I Athletic Trainers' Perceptions And Use Of Psychological Skills During Injury Rehabilitation, Mary Kathleen Estepp

Masters Theses

Applied sport psychology research suggests that the use of psychological skills (e.g., positive self-talk, goal-setting, relaxation) during the rehabilitation process increase recovery rates, increase adherence to rehabilitation, and decrease anxiety and stress (Heaney, 2006). Certified athletic trainers (ATCs) hold a critical role within injury rehabilitation as the primary health care professional who interacts with injured athletes. Therefore, properly trained, ATCs have been identified as the ideal professional to implement psychological skills during injury rehabilitation (Larson, Starkey, & Zaichkowsky, 1996). The purpose of this study was to explore National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I (D-I) ATCs use of psychological skills …