title: Female athletic training students' perceptions of motherhood and retention in athletic training.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Motherhood appears to be a catalyst in job turnover for female athletic trainers, especially those employed at the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I level. However, most researchers examining this topic have investigated the perspectives of those who are currently employed rather than those who are preparing to enter the profession.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate female athletic training students' perceptions of motherhood and retention.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Athletic training education program.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 18 female athletic training students volunteered to participate. They were enrolled in 1 Commission on Accrediting Athletic Training Education-accredited athletic training program and represented 3 levels of academic STUDY.
  
  
  METHODS
  The participants responded to a series of questions related to work-life balance and retention in athletic training. Analysis of the data followed a general inductive process. Credibility was established by interpretive member checks and peer review.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The first theme, clinical setting, speaks to the belief that work-life balance and retention in athletic training require an employment setting that fosters a family-friendly atmosphere and a work schedule (including travel) that allows for time at home. The second theme, mentorship, reflects the acknowledgment that a female mentor who is successful in balancing the roles of mother and athletic trainer can serve as a role model. The final theme, work-life balance strategies, illustrates the need to have a plan in place to meet the demands of both home and work life.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A female athletic trainer who is successfully balancing her career and family responsibilities may be the most helpful factor in retention, especially for female athletic training students. Young professionals need to be educated on the importance of developing successful work-life balance strategies, which can be helpful in reducing attrition from the profession.
authors.affiliation: University of Connecticut, Storrs.
authors.forename: Stephanie M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Mazerolle
authors.forename: Kerri
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gavin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D056352:Athletes / Q000523:psychology*; D001290:Attitude; D002321:Career Choice; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008425:Maternal Behavior; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D016487:Parenting / Q000523:psychology*; D010465:Perception; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D013177:Sports / Q000193:education; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult