Dissertation
The relationship between sport specialization and creativity, and the impact on athletic scholarship opportunities: a quantitative study
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Drexel University
28 Sep 2021
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00000589
Abstract
With an estimated 40 million children participating in organized athletics, youth sports' rapid growth and expansion have generated controversy. Specifically, adolescent athletes tend to specialize in a single sport at an early age, producing debate regarding the motivations, risks, and effects of concentrating on specialized activity early. As postsecondary tuition skyrockets, young athletes and parents have sought athletic scholarships to finance higher education. Focusing on a sport at an early age may develop prowess. However, experts have unveiled early specialization increases injury risks, burnout, and lack of interest in adult athletes. The highly structured, rule-based environment of early, specialized athletics may negatively affect creativity. Rigid, deliberate practice schedules replace creativity-enhancing free time unstructured play promotes. This quantitative correlational study examined athletes participating in Division I and II collegiate athletic programs to understand the relationship between early sport specialization and creativity and how it impacts athletic scholarships. The research did not find a relationship between sport specialization patterns and creativity, nor did it observe creativity impacting athletic scholarships. Creativity differences between Division I and II athletes existed. Sport specialization patterns differed between men and women athletic program participants. Elementary sport diversification affected athletic scholarship and collegiate sports participation. These results will guide young athletes' and parents' approaches to youth sports.
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Details
- Title
- The relationship between sport specialization and creativity, and the impact on athletic scholarship opportunities
- Creators
- Anthony J. Cevoli
- Contributors
- Cameron Kiosoglous (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- xiii, 102 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Education (1997-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991015606267304721