Student Researcher Honored for Interdisciplinary Study on Youth Sports and Psychology
Anna Lantz, a standout student at Marshall University, has been recognized with the prestigious Stuart W. Thomas Research in Psychology Award for her exceptional work on an independent study examining parental feedback in youth sports. The award includes a $500 prize and highlights Anna’s dedication to rigorous, interdisciplinary research.
As part of her HS 485 Independent Study, Anna designed and executed a comprehensive project exploring the impact of parental feedback on youth volleyball players’ anxiety and confidence levels. Her work not only involved proposing the study and navigating a complex IRB approval process—due to the involvement of both children and parents—but also collecting and analyzing data from a community sample.
Anna presented her findings at the College of Health Professions Research Day, where her insights into how parental stressors influence young athletes’ psychological experiences drew significant interest. Faculty praised the project as an exemplary blend of psychology, health sciences, and community engagement.
The research team plans to further pursue Anna’s work for national presentation and possible publication. Anna worked with Dr. Liza Pacioles, Associate Professor of Health Sciences, and Dr. Gary McIlvain, Chair of the School of Health and Movement Sciences.