Preferred Name
Brian Tusk
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
ORCID
https://orcid.org/0009-0003-4629-1077
Date of Graduation
12-14-2024
Semester of Graduation
Fall
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Department of Graduate Psychology
Second Advisor
Debbie Sturm
Third Advisor
Debbie Sturm, Ph.D.
Abstract
This dissertation delved into the mental health challenges encountered by collegiate student-athletes, with a specific focus on injury and performance anxiety. The research is presented in a three-manuscript format. The first manuscript is a conceptual exploration of Relational Cultural Theory [RCT] and its application in supporting student-athletes during injury recovery. By integrating the Five Good Things framework, the study demonstrates how growth-promoting connection and a strong therapeutic alliance can enhance holistic recovery, addressing the physical and emotional impacts of injury. The second manuscript investigated performance anxiety among student-athletes, with an emphasis on gender, sport type, and Adverse Childhood Experiences [ACEs] as contributing factors. Utilizing the Sport Anxiety Scale-2 [SAS-2], the study finds that cisgender female athletes experience significantly higher levels of performance anxiety, although ACEs and sport type were not strong predictors. The third manuscript evaluated the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing [EMDR] therapy in reducing performance anxiety among student-athletes. A mixed-methods approach revealed significant anxiety reduction for the participants, with qualitative findings highlighting improvements in focus, emotional resilience, and reduced negative self-talk. Together, the three manuscripts provided a comprehensive framework for addressing the mental health needs of student-athletes through gender-sensitive, relational, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions.
