Perceptions and experiences of lesbian intercollegiate coaches.
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Melissa A. Schreibstein (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Diane Gill
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to provide a more complete picture of lesbians in sport by investigating the perceptions and experiences of lesbian intercollegiate coaches. Fifty-two self-identified lesbian head and assistant coaches from NCAA Divisions I, II, III, and the NAIA, and representing a multitude of sports, completed online surveys and open-ended questions pertaining to their lives at work and outside of work. The findings showed that lesbian intercollegiate coaches’ perceptions of organizational support positively related to their degrees of disclosure of lesbian identity, job satisfaction, and life satisfaction. Participants reported fairly high scores on the surveys, indicating that the sample worked in supportive environments and also exhibited positive levels of job and life satisfaction. The findings suggested that attitudes towards lesbians within intercollegiate athletics have become more tolerant than was depicted in the previous literature. Coaches explained that they monitored behaviors related to the disclosure of their lesbian identities, and this indicated that coaches remain aware of homonegativism and the potential for facing discrimination due to sexual orientation. The results suggested that organizational support is related to disclosure, job satisfaction, and life satisfaction, and that has implications for coach well-being and effectiveness. This research adds to our understanding of the organizational climate within college athletics, perceptions of coaches, and disclosure of lesbian identity, and how those factors shape the experiences of lesbian intercollegiate coaches.
Perceptions and experiences of lesbian intercollegiate coaches.
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Created on 5/1/2010
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Thesis
- Language: English
- Date: 2010
- Keywords
- Coaching, Disclosure of Sexual Orientation, Job Satisfaction, Lesbian, Life Satisfaction, Perceived Organizational Support
- Subjects
- Lesbians $x Social life and customs.
- College sports $z United States.
- Coaching (Athletics) $x Job satisfaction.
- Organizational behavior $x Social aspects.
- Lesbians and sports.