title: A Longitudinal Examination of Work-Life Balance in the Collegiate Setting.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The literature regarding work-life balance (WLB) is plentiful, particularly in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I collegiate setting due to its demanding nature as defined by work hours and travel. Despite the comprehensive understanding of factors contributing to WLB for athletic trainers (ATs) in this setting, the effect of time of year has yet to be investigated.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine the influence sport season timing (ie, preseason, in-season, off-season) can have on perceptions and experiences of WLB for ATs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative, case-study design.
  
  
  METHODS
  Division I collegiate practice setting.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six ATs employed in the Division I college setting (3 women, 3 men) volunteered and completed our study over 1 year. The average age of participants was 31.0 ± 3 years, and they had 9.0 ± 3 years of experience.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted semistructured one-on-one phone interviews with each participant at 4 points during the year (August, November, February, June). All interviews were transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed inductively, and we used peer review, multiple-analyst triangulation, and member checks for credibility.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Time of year (eg, competitive in-season), organizational demands (eg, hours and travel), and life stage (eg, roles assumed) were factors that influenced WLB for ATs in the collegiate setting. Having a positive and adaptable mind-set; having coworker, supervisor, and personal support; and engaging in personal or family time were factors that counterbalanced the inhibitors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results indicate that a career as an AT in the collegiate setting can create WLB concerns; these concerns, however, seem to peak during the competitive in-season for the AT's primary coverage team. Additionally, conflict that arises for ATs seems to be stimulated by time, as work roles are often less accommodating due to the athletic atmosphere.
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology, Athletic Training Program, College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources, University of Connecticut, Storrs.
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mazerolle
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology, Athletic Training Program, College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources, University of Connecticut, Storrs.
authors.forename: Christianne
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Eason
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D013177:Sports / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017748:Time Management / Q000523:psychology*; D014495:Universities; D014937:Work / Q000523:psychology*; D014940:Work Schedule Tolerance / Q000523:psychology
keywords: organizational demands; rejuvenation; time management