Abstract
Background: Although there is a plethora of data on factors that negatively influence an athletic trainer’s work-life balance (WLB) and mental health; there is a paucity of research on strategies that can directly address WLB. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to better understand how collegiate athletic trainers promote their mental health and wellbeing, focusing specifically on WLB and self-care practices. Methods: This was an online, cross-sectional survey in a collegiate setting. Participants were recruited via email and included 1,053 ATs (398 males, 646 females, 9 other) employed at the collegiate level. The participant’s mean age was 33 ± 9 (range 21-71), with an average of 10 ± 9 (range 0-48) years of experience. The questionnaire utilized in this study included demographic questions (i.e., age, gender, marital status) as well as 11 Likert scale questions (1=always, 5= never). Data was collected during the month of September 2022. Reminder emails were sent at 1-week, and 3-weeks post initial recruitment email. Descriptive statistics were utilized to explore demographic variances, while frequency statistics were used to identify the reported use of strategies used to promote WLB. Results: Eighty-six percent (86%) of respondents sometimes, seldom, or never are satisfied with their WLB. Only 14% identify that always or often do they have availability for self-care. Twenty-nine percent (29%) of respondents utilize their co-workers to promote WLB. Athletic trainers always or often use home support (42%) more often than work support (32%) to promote WLB. Conclusion: Self-care practices can increase clinician mental health and well-being. Time is a limiting factor for athletic trainers, and when they do not have enough time to engage in non-work activities, they are at an increased risk for burnout. Support networks continue to help athletic trainers create WLB.
Recommended Citation
Cairns AH, Cigal R, Singe SM. Descriptive Investigation of Work-life Balance and Self-Care Practices Among Collegiate Athletic Trainers. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2024 Mar 22;22(2), Article 17.
