| Title: |
Investigating Paternalistic Attitudes in NCAA Division I Power 5 Team Conduct Policies |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Daniel Springer (ORCID 0000-0002-0219-4641); Molly Harry; Steffanie Heinrich |
| Source: |
Innovative Higher Education. 2025 50(4):1203-1225. |
| Availability: |
Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/ |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
23 |
| Publication Date: |
2025 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Reports - Research |
| Education Level: |
Higher Education; Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: |
College Students; Student Athletes; College Athletics; Intercollegiate Cooperation; Team Sports; Self Determination; Policy; Language Usage; Compliance (Legal); Psychological Needs; Well Being; Student Motivation |
| DOI: |
10.1007/s10755-024-09776-8 |
| ISSN: |
0742-5627; 1573-1758 |
| Abstract: |
This study examined whether paternalistic attitudes persist in intercollegiate athletic contexts despite broader shifts away from paternalism across American higher education. We analyzed 98 Division I Power 5 team conduct policies using self-determination theory (SDT) to determine if they exhibited paternalistic attitudes. Findings revealed that team conduct policies often adopted a control-oriented framework, limiting athletes' self-determination and fostering compliance over self-directed growth. This analysis broadens SDT's application to a structural context, highlighting its relevance in policy critique and institutional settings with hierarchical structures. We suggest practical policy language revisions to foster environments that support athletes' basic psychological needs. These recommendations aim to bridge a disconnect between athletic and broader university administration, advocating for policies that can enhance athlete well-being and motivation. Future research could expand this approach to include stakeholder interviews, shedding light on the perceptions and real-world implementation of such policies in athletic environments. |
| Abstractor: |
As Provided |
| Entry Date: |
2025 |
| Accession Number: |
EJ1480387 |
| Database: |
ERIC |