Athletic trainers' understanding of the psychology and cultural competency of athletes: The first-string defense

ABSTRACT

When a collegiate athlete becomes injured, their firstline of defense is to see their university's Athletic Trainer (AT). ATs are considered major stakeholders in the overall health of athletes. Because of their job nature and the level of interactions they have with athletes, ATs are more likely to have a level of trust with their athletes that would encourage them to speak up during distress that may impact their mental health. In the age of the COVID-19 pandemic and the uprise in discussion of racial injustice, athletes are not immune to the stress the pandemics present and may impact their athletic performance. ATs may have to address this stress in their care with athletes. Understanding sports psychology and utilizing cultural competency training is important when working with athletes. Previous research suggests ATs feel competent in their psychological skills training and find themselves to be culturally competent. However, they would like to have more opportunities to receive post-professional training in psychological skills. The purpose of this study is to assess ATs' (both currently practicing and students) attitudes regarding psychological skills training as part of their education to treat athletes, their attitudes regarding receiving post-certification training in psychological skills, and attitudes towards cultural competency training. A survey was disseminated to 2000 student and currently practicing ATs that are current members of the National Athletic Training Association (NATA). This survey consisted of demographic questions, several Likert-style questions to assess for opinions of training, and the Cultural Competency Assessment (CCA) to evaluate cultural competency behaviors, awareness, and sensitivity when working as a healthcare provider. Out of 2000 participants, only 116 student and practicing ATs opened the survey and 91 total participants were used in the final calculations. Overall, participants continued to endorse a need for more post-certification training. As well, 81% of total participants perceived themselves in a neutral/negative light when asked if they were adequately trained in sports psychology. Twenty-one individuals said they did not receive training in sports psychology during their graduate training and a majority stated they wished they had received that training. Conversely, more total participants believed they were adequately trained in cultural competency skills. However, more practicing ATs perceived themselves in a negative manner when asked if they had been adequately trained in cultural competency. This study continues to iterate the want from ATs for more post-certification training in sports psychology and cultural competency skills. To assist in this need, psychologists who are experts in these areas may consider assisting in training these healthcare professionals. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)