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Submission Date

7-21-2023

Document Type

Entry Level Capstone

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

First Mentor

Dr. Christina Kane, Ed.D, MS, OTR/L

Abstract

Discontinuation may be by choice or may be due to an injury; however most collegiate athletes’ sports engagement ends due to graduation causing them to shift their role in an occupation that played a crucial role in their self-identity. Athletes of all levels are challenged in their transition beyond sport and in the adjustment to the various role changes that occur. A significant life event, such as the end of one’s athletic engagement, can cause a loss of identity, purpose, and mental health decline. Former athletes may experience occupational disruption, a temporary inability to adequately engage in meaningful tasks due to a significant life event (Whiteford, 2010). The purpose of this capstone project is to complete a research study to determine if athletes are experiencing occupational disruption when transitioning from athlete to non-athlete and begin to develop an occupation based transitional program to prevent mental health decline.

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