Date of Award

Spring 5-2025

Document Type

Oral Presentation/Poster

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Health Science

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Moses Ikiugu

Keywords

Occupational Therapy, mental health, student-athletes, athletic identity, coping strategies, sport transitions, occupation-based interventions

Subject Categories

Occupational Therapy

Abstract

This capstone project aimed to develop and evaluate an occupation-based mental health program for student-athletes navigating the transitions in and out of sports. Guided by the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO), Occupational Adaptation (OA), and Self-Determination Theory (SDT), intervention sessions contained six one-on-one sessions focused on identity reformation, building adaptive responses, and restructuring a meaningful routine. A mixed-methods approach was used to evaluate outcomes from two participants using the Brief-COPE, Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS), Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), satisfaction surveys, and thematic analysis of qualitative feedback. Results indicated growth in self-awareness and emotional expression for both participants. Participant 1 demonstrated gains in coping strategies and satisfaction related to occupational performance, while Participant 2 showed decreased coping scores but reported qualitative benefits. Thematic analysis themes consisted of identity reframing, emotional insight, and improved confidence beyond sports. Findings signify the potential role occupational therapy can play in collegiate athletic settings to address mental health, identity, and life transitions.

Download

Share

COinS