Date of Award

Spring 2000

Document Type

Legacy Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Department

Psychology

College

College of Science

First Advisor

Joan Piroch

Abstract/Description

It has been found that personality of athletes varies according to different types of sport, but no current research has investigated personality characteristics in track and field athletes. The purpose of this study was to investigate personality characteristics of track and field athletes. The 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF) was administered to assess personality characteristics. A total of 100 male and female track and field athletes served as participants. Mean scores and standard deviations were calculated for each type of event in track and field and also gender for each of the personality measurements on the 16PF. Separate 2x3 analyses of variance were calculated to compare male and female athletes across the different types of event for each of the personality factors. Post hoc comparisons were examined with a Fisher's LSD test. The results indicated that throwers were more socially bold and less private. It was also found the females had increased levels of apprehension as compared to male athletes. Significant interaction effects were found for the personality characteristics of reasoning, emotional stability and sensitivity. This research may have implications for selection of and coaching athletes. If certain personality characteristics identify a "type" of athlete, knowledge of these traits may facilitate the recruiting process for the coaching staff, and also help determine what event is most suitable for an athlete.

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