CHFA | Psychology Department Showcase: Completed Projects
Do Higher Association with Intramural Sports result in Better Academic Achievement and longer Retention
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Psychology
Minor
Non-profit Leadership Studies
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Daniel Wann
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
College varsity sports are a well-known contributor to why students enroll in a university. Varsity sports give the student-athletes a connection where they feel a sense of belonging and the opportunity to represent their university. However, students who are not directly involved in college sports can develop a sense of belonging through being a fan of their university sports teams. There are many benefits of being a fan, including being socially integrated into their university's sports. A study was done by examining students with a team identification scale and persistence in the university. They found that highly identified students were particularly likely to persist in obtaining their degree from the target institution (Wann 2002). Attending games and engaging with other fans gives them a way to integrate themselves into their college to create a sense of belonging.
The current study aims to explore the relationship between participation in college intramurals and student retention at a university. Intramural sports allow students to engage in athletic sports for their enjoyment, without the pressure and responsibilities of being a varsity athlete. Being an athlete or a fan of your university’s sports team gives reasons why students continue to have retention. Students who are involved in intramural sports should have the same levels of retention. Intramural sports athletes allow students to feel a sense of involvement and create a stronger connection to their university. The prediction is that students involved in intramural sports will have higher academic achievement and retention. However, results from the study did not fully support my hypothesis, the data revealed that there are additional factors contributing to the importance of intramural sports. Research indicated that the more students who were involved, and involved in multiple intramural sports, made it more likely them to come back the next school year, as well as making it valuable.
Spring Scholars Week 2025
Psychology: Completed Projects
Do Higher Association with Intramural Sports result in Better Academic Achievement and longer Retention
College varsity sports are a well-known contributor to why students enroll in a university. Varsity sports give the student-athletes a connection where they feel a sense of belonging and the opportunity to represent their university. However, students who are not directly involved in college sports can develop a sense of belonging through being a fan of their university sports teams. There are many benefits of being a fan, including being socially integrated into their university's sports. A study was done by examining students with a team identification scale and persistence in the university. They found that highly identified students were particularly likely to persist in obtaining their degree from the target institution (Wann 2002). Attending games and engaging with other fans gives them a way to integrate themselves into their college to create a sense of belonging.
The current study aims to explore the relationship between participation in college intramurals and student retention at a university. Intramural sports allow students to engage in athletic sports for their enjoyment, without the pressure and responsibilities of being a varsity athlete. Being an athlete or a fan of your university’s sports team gives reasons why students continue to have retention. Students who are involved in intramural sports should have the same levels of retention. Intramural sports athletes allow students to feel a sense of involvement and create a stronger connection to their university. The prediction is that students involved in intramural sports will have higher academic achievement and retention. However, results from the study did not fully support my hypothesis, the data revealed that there are additional factors contributing to the importance of intramural sports. Research indicated that the more students who were involved, and involved in multiple intramural sports, made it more likely them to come back the next school year, as well as making it valuable.