Perceptions of knowledge regarding the psychology of injury among Division I athletic trainers

The purpose of this study was to determine the different perceptions of knowledge regarding the psychology of injury among Division I athletic trainers who were certified and who were student trainers. Twenty NCAA Division I athletic trainers participated in the study. The group was divided into ten certified athletic trainers and ten student athletic trainers. The Athletic Training and Sport Psychology Questionnaire (ATSPQ) was used to determine attitudes, beliefs, and the application of a variety of psychological strategies and techniques athletic trainers may use in their work with injured athletes. The participants were administered the survey and asked to respond as accurately and honestly as possible. A t-test for related measures was conducted on the participants' responses and the results failed to show any significant differences in the statistical analysis of the responses between the two groups. This suggests that knowledge of the psychology of injury is quite similar for trainers differing in age, education, and experience. Suggestions for future researchers are offered, as well as recommendations for changes in current trends present in the education of athletic trainers.