Document Type
Research Paper
Date of Completion
Summer 7-28-2026
Department
Exercise & Sports Sciences
Faculty Mentor
Dr Lee Edwards
Abstract
Abstract
This study compared perceived stress between collegiate athletes and non-athletes ages 18 to 25, using a non-athlete comparison group that intentionally included both college students and individuals outside of higher education. A total of 108 participants (52 athletes, 56 non-athletes) completed the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) along with a brief demographic questionnaire. An independent samples t-test found no statistically significant difference in perceived stress between athletes (M = 15.37) and non-athletes (M = 16.23), t(106) = -0.77, p = .442, d = -0.15, and the null hypothesis was retained. Secondary analyses found that gender was the only statistically significant predictor of perceived stress: female participants reported significantly higher stress than male participants, t(106) = 2.06, p = .042, d = 0.41, with female non-athletes reporting the highest mean stress of any subgroup. Enrollment status, sport type, and year in school did not significantly predict perceived stress. These findings challenge the assumption that collegiate athletes are inherently more stressed than their non-athlete peers and suggest that individual factors, particularly gender, may be more meaningful predictors of perceived stress than athletic status alone.
Keywords: perceived stress, collegiate athletes, non-athletes, PSS-10, gender differences, young adults
Copyright held by
Author
Recommended Citation
Franklin, C. (2026). Under Pressure - Comparing Stress between Athletes and Non-Athletes. Retrieved from https://scholarworks.harding.edu/mcnair-research/40
