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Career decision-making of elite athletes in Australian institutes of Sport
Abstract   Peer reviewed

Career decision-making of elite athletes in Australian institutes of Sport

Lisa Fraser, G Fogarty and M Albion
Proceedings of the 12th European Congress of Sport Psychology
European Congress of Sport Psychology: Sport and Exercise Psychology Bridges Between Disciplines and Cultures, 12th (Halkidiki, Greece, 2007)
2007
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http://www.fepsac.com/congresses/congress_2007View
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Abstract

Psychology Human Movement and Sports Science athlete career
The current findings of a five-year longitudinal study aimed at evaluating the National Athlete Career and Education (ACE) program, following the fourth year of data collection, will be reviewed. The ACE program, which is delivered through the Australian Institutes of Sport, provides athletes with career, education and personal development services. In 2003, 856 elite-level athletes were surveyed regarding their awareness and level of satisfaction with ACE services, and asked to complete measures relating to their levels of career decision-making difficulties (CDDQ) and athletic identity (AIMS) among others. Athletes also listed the occupations they were considering in the future. Surveys were administered annually, from 2003 to 2006, to both continuing and retired athletes. Overall, satisfaction levels for the program have been consistently high, with 72% satisfaction indicated for 2006. Participation with ACE was also found to be related to higher levels of motivation to make career-related decisions and better knowledge about career and educational options. Further analyses were conducted for those participants who had submitted questionnaire data each year (N=43). Non-parametric tests were used to investigate differences over time within and between groups. While age was found to be a significant factor in athlete's level of internal confusion related to their career decisions, lack of knowledge about themselves and the process involved in reaching such a decision, results related to retirement status and gender will also be examined. Descriptive statistics of the types of occupations the athletes are considering for the future will also be discussed.

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