Publication Date

5-1-1971

Degree Program

Department of Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport

Degree Type

Master of Science

Abstract

Through the years there has been increasing interest in the investigation of the athlete's personality. Much emphasis has been placed on the psychological characteristics of athletes of a given age group and ability level. Coaches, trainers, and others involved with athletics believe that personality is an essential ingredient in developing a highly skilled individual. However, the ones in leadership seldom put forth explicit statements of such beliefs into a meaningful theory structure that can be assessed and therefore verified. Statement of the Problem: The purpose of this study was to determine whether differences in personality factors existed between groups of outstanding and less outstanding collegiate football players. The problem was further investigated: (1) in an effort to determine the personality differences between the various groups studied; and (2) to determine if there were distinct group personality profiles present. Need for the Study: The apparent interest of coaches, and others concerned with the relationship between personality and athletic achievement, initiated research in this area; however, the few studies conducted show conflicting results, but leave the impression that a relationship does exist. If a connection could be established, one could differentiate, for selective purposes, between players of equal skill. Also, it would enhance the coaches' ability in facilitating better interpersonal relations, behavior control, and predictions of behaviorial performances. It was the intent of the writer to add to the present body of knowledge in this area so that scientific applications could be made. Underlying Hypotheses The hypotheses investigated in this study were as follows: 1. Offensive players have personality profiles which will not differentiate them from defensive players. 2. Personality profiles of successful football players (letter winners) exhibit characteristics not distinguishable from those possessed by the non-letter winners. 3. When age is considered in personality factor analysis, the age element does not differentiate the groups. Limitations of the Study The following limitations were placed on the study: 1. The study was limited to forty-four collegiate football players at Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky. 2. The subjects were not selected by random procedures, but were the athletes available for the study. 3. It is assumed that the subjects answered the questionnaire in an honest and truthful manner.

Disciplines

Sports Sciences

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