Investigating Collegiate Athletes’ Wellbeing During the Travel Season

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore collegiate athletes’ sense of wellbeing during the travel season. A qualitative approach was adapted which was founded on the principles of positive psychology. Data were collected utilizing in-depth semi-structured interviews with student athletes via phone or video calls. Participants were recruited through purposive and convenient sampling. To analyze data, thematic content analysis was conducted, and subjective wellbeing theory (Diener, 1984) was used as a guide for data analysis. Interviewees reported that during the competition trips they experience positive emotions such as fun, excitement, and happiness; as well as negative emotions such as stress, anxiety, and exhaustion. Incorporating tourist activities into teams’ travel itineraries and giving the athletes a voice in the travel decision making were found to be effective in enhancing athletes’ wellbeing.