Attitude of Sport Training toward Gay and Lesbian among Collegiate Student-Athletes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes of collegiate student-athletes (CSAs) toward gay and lesbian participating in varsities, and to investigate the CSAs' attitudes on campus climate, team support and stigma in different genders and levels of competition. This study employed a questionnaire survey to collect the data. Two hundred and sixty-four collegiate student-athletes from northern Taiwan were participated in this study. Among all participants, 49.3% were aged between 21 and 22 years old, 60.2% were females and 58% were competed in higher level. The results revealed in four themes. (1) The CSAs had positive attitude toward gay and lesbian, and reflected on the aspects of campus climate, team support and stigma. (2) The significant difference was found in genders and levels of competition toward campus climate of gay and lesbian athletes, but no interaction effect was found. (3) The result showed no significant difference in genders and levels of competition toward team support. (4) There was no significant difference in genders and levels of competition toward stigma. However, females revealed the lower negative attitude than males. In summarize, CSAs shown more positive attitudes and acceptance toward gay and lesbian athletes, and presented more inclusive and supportive environment. Our results suggest that future studies can focus on administrative and coaching units, and deploy the multiple data collecting strategies to enhance the understanding toward the gendered cultural in training environment, and to facilitate a gender friendly sport environment.