A Comparison of Optimism Levels and Life Stress Levels among NCAA Division I Athletes and Non Athletes

Researchers suggest that optimistic individuals approach life situations with the belief that outcomes will be favorable, and are more likely to exhibit better coping mechanisms when dealing with adversity and stress (Carver, & Scheier, 1987; Karadeaus, Karvelis, Argyropoulou, 2007). Moreover, the cognitive adaptation theory suggests that optimistic individuals are more likely to make appropriate cognitive adaptations to stressful situations (Lightsey, 1994; Alloy & Clements, 1992). Results concerning collegiate athletic status, gender, optimism, and stress are mixed. The purpose of this study was to compare collegiate athletes and non athletes and gender on optimism and life stress. The present study utilized the Life Orientation Test-Revised to optimism and the Undergraduate Stress Questionnaire to measure life stress. Results from this study support the hypotheses that 1) high-level optimistic athletes would experience significantly lower levels of life stress than low-level optimistic athletes; 2) high-level optimistic athletes would experience significantly lower levels of life stress than high-level optimistic non-athletes; and 3) high-level optimistic men would experience significantly lower levels of life stress than high-level optimistic women within the sample Future research about optimism and stress levels, athletic status, and gender is included within the discussion

Connecting with at-Risk Youth through Sport Participation: Strategies from Rural Coaches in Georgia

Sport is often used as a mechanism to develop character, teach life lessons, and cultivate social and emotional skills. The researchers surveyed sport coaches in rural areas of Georgia and results will highlight to what extent, the challenges, and the strategies coaches use to connect with At-Risk Youth

Violence Prevention for At-Risk Youth through Risk Management

This presentation addresses ways to assist youth program administrators, in any context including sports programs, in achieving violence prevention through risk management goals and structured processes that incorporate: risk analysis, risk management pre-program administration, developing and utilizing policies and procedures, providing a standard of care, providing proper supervision, ensuring safe environmental conditions, and program assessment and revision

Integration of Youth at-Risk into Adult CrossFit Classes: What Will Happen

Youth identified as at-risk will be integrated into adult CrossFit classes. Impacts of the different environments will be compared and contrasted to identify whether the environment (class structure and participants) has a larger impact of introducing the youth to CrossFit and having positive outcomes

Impact of a CrossFit Intervention as an After-School Program for the Boys and Girls Club

Research has shown that middle school youth are vulnerable to disconnection from school, family, and communities as they experience changes in their bodies, minds, and emotions or encounter comprehensive shifts in their life-structures (Fernades-Alcantara, 2014). CrossFit’s framework was used to assist the participants by addressing physical and personal challenges and changes. The presentation will highlight how the intervention was used to address potential disconnections