Date of Graduation

8-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education in Human Resource and Workforce Development (EdD)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Counseling, Leadership, and Research Methods

Advisor/Mentor

Maddox, Jim

Committee Member

Samuels, Mandel G.

Second Committee Member

Grover, Kenda S.

Keywords

African-American; Athletes; Basketball; Career; Decision-making; Self-efficacy

Abstract

This dissertation examines the self-perceived career goal achievement capabilities of African-American former Division I basketball players through the lens of Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy (CDMSE) and its impact on their post-athletic career decisions. Through a phenomenological approach, this study aims to contribute a nuanced understanding of the experiences, behaviors, and perceptions of these athletes' post-collegiate sports career transitions. Embedded within the literature review framework, this study illuminates likely factors influencing CDMSE by examining Self-Efficacy, Athlete Identity, Identity Foreclosure, and Career Maturity. Additionally presented is an overview of the unique culture within revenue-generating collegiate sports and, specifically, previous research on the experiences of African-American male athletes. The dissertation contributes to the literature on understanding the intersection of CDMSE and the cultural and social dynamics of African-American Division I basketball players. While previous studies have explored the broader issues of athlete career transition challenges, such as degree attainment and identity challenges within this demographic, this research aims to provide a qualitative exploration of the lived experiences of African-American former Division I basketball players in scholarly discourse. The study's research question probes how African-American former Division I basketball players perceive and navigate their career decision-making self-efficacy in the shift from athletic to post-sports professional life. The phenomenological research method offers an in-depth portrayal of the athletes' experiences. This research aims to inform interventions, support athletic departments, and inform policy initiatives that could enhance the athletes' post-sport career transition phase.

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