Date on Master's Thesis/Doctoral Dissertation
12-2020
Document Type
Doctoral Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph. D.
Department
Counseling and Human Development
Degree Program
Counseling and Personnel Services, PhD
Committee Chair
Hirschy, Amy
Committee Co-Chair (if applicable)
Alagaraja, Meera
Committee Member
Alagaraja, Meera
Committee Member
Hancock, Meg
Committee Member
Comeaux, Eddie
Author's Keywords
Academic support services; ADHD; college athletes; learning disabilities; self-advocacy; self-disclosure
Abstract
Approximately only 1% of scholarly top-tier higher education published research focuses on the experiences of students with disabilities since the passing of the ADA in 1990 (Pena, 2014). Even fewer studies have explored the learning-disabled collegiate athlete experience. The purpose of this emerging phenomenological study is to understand the lived experiences of college athletes with learning disabilities and/or ADHD at NCAA Division 1 FBS institutions, giving voice to the untold stories, and commonalities amongst this population. This study provides findings grounded in student perspective by examining their experiences related to disability disclosure, self-advocacy, and academic support within the college environment. Five college athletes with ADHD and/or a learning disability participated in 90-minutes interviews. Three major themes emerged throughout the data including reactions and perceptions of others, being vocal and persistent, and building rapport and relationships. The results of this study help inform practitioners on best practices individually and systemically.
Recommended Citation
O'Donnell, Stephanie Thea, "The ball is in your court: a phenomenological study examining college athletes with learning disabilities and/or ADHD on college campuses." (2020). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 3551.
https://doi.org/10.18297/etd/3551
