Examining the effect of university year on stress and emotions experienced in an undergraduate football team

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of university year on the stress and emotions experienced in an undergraduate university football team. It aimed to assess the internal psychological transition of participation from each undergraduate year (1st, 2nd and 3rd year). Six elite to semi-professional male student-athletes currently playing for PUFC (two 1st years students, two 2nd year students and two 3rd year students), participated in the study undergoing a 30-60 minute interview. The results were analysed through the use of an inductive approach, thus highlighting two main primary stressors experienced by first, second and third year students (FYS, SYS and TYS); expectation and commitment. Two separate primary stressor related with both SYS and TYS; respect and responsibility, and two with FYS: new environment and relationships. Within these primary stressors, similarities and difference were distinguished in terms of the experience of secondary stressors and emotions. The study presented was able to provide a detailed analysis of stress and emotions experienced by each year, as well as distinguishing the psychological transition through each undergraduate year group. Key Words: Stress, emotions, appraisal and university. Abbreviations: First year student/s (FYS), Second year student/s (SYS), Third year student/s (TYS), Cognitive-motivational-relational theory (CMR).