Date Approved
2018
Degree Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department or School
Communication, Media and Theatre Arts
Committee Member
Nick Romerhausen, Ph.D., Chair
Committee Member
Dennis O'Grady, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Ray Quiel, M.A.
Abstract
College forensics is an incredible activity with many more benefits for students than drawbacks. This competitive community strives to better itself and the community around it by teaching students life-long skills. College forensics seeks to change the world by offering students a toolbox ready to equip them to be leaders in their communities, advocates for the voiceless, and partners in progress. It is because this activity is such an essential institution of development that this study focuses on a negative area of this educational titan. Research for decades has outlined the harmful impact this activity can have on the health and wellness of its participants. This study seeks to uncover the dimensions of student wellness through the lens often applied to the experiences of forensic coaches. Burnout is explored through a review of relevant literature which lays the groundwork for an analysis of in-depth interviews of current forensic students and their perceptions of wellness and burnout in college forensics. Interviews were conducted with students from various sized programs from across the country. Students views suggest that more emphasis is needed in equipping competitors with tools to manage the emotional stress experienced in the activity. The study concludes with a discussion of the limitations and areas for future research.
Recommended Citation
Ward, Timothy R., "In-depth interviews examining perceptions of burnout in college forensics" (2018). Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations. 901.
https://commons.emich.edu/theses/901