Helping Freshman Student Athletes Adjust to College Life Using Psychoeducational Groups

Abstract

This article describes the process of using psychoeducational groups designed to help freshman student athletes adjust to their first semester of college. Overall, 77 student athletes representing basketball, cross-country, football, golf, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, and volleyball were equally divided into 11 groups that met for eight sessions lasting approximately 75 min each. Written feedback showed that student athletes enjoyed the group experience and were helped to adjust to the college environment. They also reported that the groups assisted to relieve stress and strongly recommended that the groups be conducted for the next year of incoming freshman student athletes. Suggestions are also provided to improve the design of future groups with this population.