Moral Distress in Secondary School Athletic Trainers

Authors

Matthew J. Drescher, North Dakota State UniversityFollow
Matthew J. Rivera, Indiana State UniversityFollow
Lindsey E. Eberman, Indiana State UniversityFollow

Abstract

Moral distress is prevalent in healthcare and prolonged moral distress is directly linked to feelings of burnout and intent to leave the profession. Moral distress has been examined in other healthcare professions, including physician practice and nursing, but not in athletic training. Due to their likelihood to be isolated and have high patient loads, secondary school athletic trainers (SSATs) may experience moral distress. This study aimed to examine the experiences and perceptions of moral distress in SSATs. SSATs were recruited via email through the Athletic Training Locations and Services (ATLAS) database. A total of 603 SSATs completed the survey and were included for analysis. Participants completed the Measure of Moral Distress in Athletic Trainers (MMD-AT), a validated tool measuring moral distress on perception and frequency subscales. Descriptive statistics and ANOVAs were used to identify differences between demographic groups. SSATs reported low levels of moral distress on the MMD-AT (M=26.9±20.3 out of 189); SSATs scored highest on organizational issues and lowest on patient care issues. Women (M=29.6) scored significantly higher on the MMD-AT than men (M=23.3, p

Author Bio(s)

Matt Drescher, PhD, DAT, LAT, ATC is an Associate Professor of Practice and the Program Director for the North Dakota State University Masters in Athletic Training Program. He is also a licensed and certified athletic trainer.

Matthew Rivera, DAT, LAT, ATC is an Assistant Professor and the Director of Clinical Education for the Indiana State Doctorate in Athletic Training Program. He is also a licensed and certified athletic trainer.

Lindsey Eberman, PhD, LAT, ATC is a Professor and the Program Director for the for the Indiana State Doctorate in Athletic Training Program. She is also a licensed and certified athletic trainer.

Recommended Citation

Drescher MJ, Rivera MJ, Eberman LE. Moral Distress in Secondary School Athletic Trainers. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2025 Jan 17;23(1), Article 10.