Self-Perception of NCAA Division I Student-Athletes

Self-perception is the level of competency at which individuals evaluate themselves in certain areas or domains (Marsh & Shavelson, 1985). An individual’s self-perceptions contribute to their global self-worth, and even predict performance (Cuellar, 2014; Harter & Neemann, 2012). Self-perception is an increasingly popular area of study, and there is a gap in the research as it pertains to college student-athletes (Harter & Neemann, 2012). This study measures self- perception scores, as well as experiences with racial discrimination, of 306 NCAA Division I student-athletes using the Self-Perception Profile for College Students (Harter & Neemann, 2012). Scores are compared across race/ethnicity and gender. Findings suggest that White student-athletes have significantly higher self-perception scores than racial minorities, and recent discrimination (discrimination experiences within the last year) is a significant predictor of multiple areas of self-perception. Results also indicate significant gender differences exist in several areas of self-perception. The implications of this study prompt faculty, and other campus stakeholders to pursue positive relationships with the student-athletes they encounter. Positive relationships between student-athletes and faculty can help raise student-athlete self-perceptions, and in turn, performance in a variety of areas.