The development of a biographical scale to predict post athletic career adjustment.

Abstract

The purpose of the current research was to develop a measure utilizing biographical data to predict adjustment post athletic career. A concurrent validation study was conducted with 146 participants to assess the relationship between a range of experiences and the transition after athletic retirement. Participants were ex collegiate or professional athletes who completed the biodata scale, and the two criterion scales (a sports loss grief scale and a satisfaction with sports life scale) online via Qualtrics. Biodata items were scored using the horizontal percentage method. Bivariate correlations were conducted between the scale items and the criterion measures. The final scale included 15 items. A regression model indicated significant variance accounted for by the post athletic career adjustment scale against the criterion variables; which may indicate that a portion of adjustment after retirement from an athletic career could be explained by the PACAS. Key limitations include a global pandemic, response bias and a relatively small sample size. Practical implications beyond this study include further knowledge in the realm of early life experiences influencing adult sports life. This study could also promote further encouragement to provide help to current and retiring athletes. The biodata scale in this study is unique and could be further validated and used as a tool for universities and sports clubs alike.