Research on the Relationships Among the Gender Consciousness, Social Support, and Wellbeing in Taiwan College Female Athletes

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to understand the cognition of female college athletes on gender consciousness and social support, which will contribute to the wellbeing of college female athletes. The research recruited 332 female college athletes were recruited as research participants. This research compiled a questionnaire suitable for the research topic, including gender consciousness scale, social support scale, and wellbeing scale. Use structural equation modeling to analyze the correlation and influence of various variables. The results showed that their experience as an athlete were mostly 5 to 7 years. The correlation of female college athletes was highest between their peer support and goal of life ( r = .58). The more support they received from their peers, the more they could affirm their life goals and wellbeing. The gender consciousness of college female athletes is significantly correlation to wellbeing (γ11 = .71), social support is significantly correlation to wellbeing (γ21 = .83), and gender consciousness has significant influence to social support (β21 = .57). In addition, the correlation between gender consciousness and stereotypes is the strongest λ = .78, the correlation between social support and peer support is the strongest λ = .91, and the correlation between wellbeing and self-identification is the strongest λ = .83. This study concluded that the existing sports environment provides opportunity for female athletes. Female college athletes have gender consciousness regarding self-assurance and stereotype, and they receive support from peers and family in sports groups. These are conducive to their performance and their sense of wellbeing in life.