Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
Examining the Perceptions of Alcohol Use and Well-Being by Collegiate Baseball Players was a qualitative study conducted through the use of semi-structured interviews. The purpose of the research was to better understand how team culture, relationships, stress, coping mechanisms, and future aspirations influence alcohol use and mental health within collegiate baseball. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, resulting in several major themes and subthemes related to athlete experiences. Findings revealed that brotherly team culture, including family-like relationships and consistency among teammates, played a major role in shaping emotional well-being and social behaviors. Participants also identified coaches, teammates, and the broader culture of baseball as influential factors that could either positively or negatively affect their athletic experience and mental health. Alcohol was frequently described as a coping strategy used to manage stress, pressure, and performance anxiety, with some participants reporting alcohol use before games to calm nerves. Additional findings indicated that participants who drank in high school often increased their alcohol use in college, while those without prior exposure became more curious due to increased freedom and social influences. The data obtained in this study suggests the complex relationship exists between alcohol use, mental health, team culture, and athlete identity, which emphasizes the need for supportive environments and healthier coping strategies within collegiate athletics.
Recommended Citation
Stevens, Madison M., "Examining the Perceptions of Alcohol Use and Well-Being by Collegiate Baseball Players" (2026). Justice Studies Theses. 8.
https://docs.rwu.edu/sjs_thesis/8
Comments
Thesis Committee Chair: Eric Bronson, Ph.D.
Master of Science in Justice Studies