“Just a Normal Bad Part of What I Do”: Elite Athletes’ Accounts of the Relationship between Health and Sport

2008 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 206-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Theberge

This article examines elite athletes’ understandings of the relationship between sport participation and health. Data are taken from interviews with 20 male and female athletes. Athletes’ assessments of the impact of sport on health and wellbeing include attributions of negative, positive, and, most often, mixed outcomes. In these elite athletes’ conceptualizations of health, injury and illness are subordinated to a view of health as capacity, and the primary frame of reference in which they consider capacity is their immediate competitive careers. Respondents’ accounts of efforts to manage the threats to their health that are posed by their sporting activity frequently convey a disembodied notion of the athletic body as an object to be managed.

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (12a) ◽  
pp. 64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veli Volkan Gürses ◽  
Okan Kamiş

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between 60m sprint results and reaction times in athletes who took part in the World Indoor Athletics Championships. The reaction times and 60m sprint results were compiled for 483 sprinters (253 male, 230 female) who performed 60m sprint event. Corresponding data were obtained from archives of the official website of the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF). The relationship between reaction time and 60m sprint results were calculated using Pearson correlation coefficient. Additionally, the Independent Samples T-Test was used to compare athletes’ reaction times and 60m sprint results. Positive moderate correlation was found between mean values of all 60m sprint results and reaction times, which were analyzed together in all categories (r=.436, p<0.01). Moreover, significant differences were also found between male and female finalists based on the 60m sprint times and reaction times respectively (t=-27.98, p<0.01; t=-3.26, p<0.01). As a result, it can be concluded that reaction time has great importance on 60 m performance. The best reaction time is related to the higher performance of 60m sprint in both male and female athletes. Moreover, this is also similar for round 1, semifinal and final categories. Coaches and athletes may consider improving reaction time to achieve better 60m performance.


1983 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 438-448 ◽  
Author(s):  
John M. Silva

Some sport scientists have suggested that various rule violating behaviors (including aggressive player behavior) are normative behaviors perceived to be “legitimate violations” by participants (e.g., Silva, 1981; Vaz, 1979). In an attempt to determine if sport socialization influences the degree of perceived legitimacy of rule violating sport behavior, 203 male and female athletes and nonathletes were shown a series of eight slides. Seven of these slides clearly depicted rule violating behavior. The subjects rated the unacceptability-acceptability of the behavior shown on each slide on a scale of 1 to 4 (totally unacceptable-totally acceptable). Subjects were categorized according to: (a) gender, (b) amount of physical contact, (c) highest level of organized sport participation, and (d) years of participation. Regression and polynomial regressions indicated that male respondents rated rule violating behavior significantly more acceptable than females. Trend analyses on the other categorical variables indicated support for an in-sport socialization process that legitimizes rule violating behavior. This perceived legitimacy was considerably more pronounced for males than for females at all levels of analysis.


Author(s):  
Clare Murphy

Because of feminist activism, what were once considered incompatible entities, women and sport, have come to be united within the social fabric of the 21st century. Recent generations of women are the first to experience sport as a commonplace reality that is largely taken for granted. After initial exclusion from the first and second wave feminist agendas, many activists now recognize sport as a vehicle for the advancement of women. The female athlete has been described by some academics as a type of “stealth feminist” who can support key feminist causes without arousing a knee-jerk social response. Although female sport participation and the status of female athletes have improved significantly, the impact this has had in the lived experience of women remains to be understood. This research project seeks to conduct focus groups with female athletes to better understand their relationship with the topic of feminism and to explore the impact sport participation has had within their lives. Deeper comprehension and documentation of sport from the perspective of female participants may not only serve to help guide sport policy and programing, but may also serve to foster a united, feminist consciousness that is capable of expanding the possibilities for female athletes and for women more broadly. 


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-137
Author(s):  
Aurelio Olmedilla ◽  
Marta Cánovas ◽  
Belén Olmedilla-Caballero ◽  
Enrique Ortega

El estudio de los factores psicológicos relacionados con el rendimiento deportivo tiene un importante recorrido en la literatura científica. Conocer si existen diferencias entre hombres y mujeres deportistas, cuáles son estas, y en qué aspectos se manifiestan es una cuestión que podría ayudar a mejorar la labor de entrenadores y técnicos deportivos. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar si existen diferencias de género en el perfil psicológico de futbolistas juveniles relacionado con el rendimiento deportivo. Se utilizó un diseño descriptivo transversal. La muestra objeto de estudio estuvo formada por un total de 329 jugadores juveniles de fútbol (46.8% varones y 53,2% mujeres), con una edad media de 17.02 (±1.50) años;. Para la evaluación de las características psicológicas se utilizó el Cuestionario Características Psicológicas Relacionadas con el Rendimiento Deportivo (CPRD). Los resultados de este estudio indican que existen diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre chicos y chicas en control de estrés (CE), influencia de la evaluación del rendimiento (IER) y en cohesión de equipo (CH). Los jugadores chicos manifiestan puntuaciones mayores que las jugadoras chicas en CE, es decir, gestionan mejor el estrés propio de la competición, y en IER, es decir, los jugadores chicos gestionan mejor que las jugadoras chicas el impacto que supone la evaluación de su rendimiento, el que hacen los otros (entrenadores, compañeros, padres/madres, etc.) y el que se hace a sí mismo. Sin embargo, las jugadoras chicas presentan mejores puntuaciones en CH, es decir, manifiestan una mayor tendencia a trabajar en grupo y fortalecer el equipo. The study of psychological factors related to sports performance has an important track record in the scientific literature. Knowing if there are differences between male and female athletes, what they are, and in what aspects they manifest is an issue that could help improve the work of coaches and sports technicians. The aim of this study is to determine if there are gender differences in the psychological profile of youth soccer players related to sports performance. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. The sample under study was formed by a total of 329 youth soccer players (46.8% male and 53,2% female), with an average age of 17.02 (± 1.50) years. The Psychological Characteristics Questionnaire Related to Sports Performance (CPRD) was used to evaluate psychological characteristics. The results of this study indicate that there are statistically significant differences between male and female in stress control (CE), influence of performance evaluation (IER) and in team cohesion (CH). The male players show higher scores than the female players in CE, that is, they better manage the stress of the competition, and in IER, that is, the male players manage better than the female players the impact of evaluating their performance, the one that others do (coaches, partners, fathers / mothers, etc.) and the one that makes itself. However, female players have better CH scores, that is, they show a greater tendency to work in groups and strengthen the team. O estudo de fatores psicológicos relacionados ao desempenho esportivo tem um histórico importante na literatura científica. Saber se existem diferenças entre atletas masculinos e femininos, o que são e em que aspectos eles se manifestam é uma questão que pode ajudar a melhorar o trabalho de treinadores e técnicos esportivos. O objetivo deste estudo é determinar se existem diferenças de gênero no perfil psicológico de jovens jogadores de futebol relacionados ao desempenho esportivo. Foi utilizado um desenho descritivo de corte transversal. A amostra estudada foi composta por um total de 329 jogadores de futebol juvenil (46,8% masculino e 53,2% feminino), com idade média de 17,02 (± 1,50) anos. O Questionário de Características Psicológicas Relacionadas ao Desempenho Esportivo (CPRD) foi utilizado para avaliar as características psicológicas. Os resultados deste estudo indicam que existem diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre meninos e meninas no controle do estresse (EC), influência da avaliação de desempenho (IER) e na coesão da equipe (HC). Os jogadores pequenos apresentam pontuações mais altas do que as jogadoras da CE, ou seja, administram melhor o estresse da competição, e no IER, ou seja, os jogadores pequenos gerenciam melhor do que as jogadoras o impacto de avaliar seu desempenho , o que os outros fazem (treinadores, parceiros, pais / mães, etc.) e o que se faz. No entanto, as jogadoras têm melhores pontuações no HC, ou seja, mostram maior tendência a trabalhar em grupo e fortalecer a equipe


2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fared Jdaitawi Turki ◽  
Malek Jdaitawi ◽  
Hani Sheta

Although some attention has been given to student issues at university, the literature on the relationship between social connectedness, achievement motivation and emotional-social learning with student adjustment is relatively limited. Therefore, this study investigates the impact of social connectedness, achievement motivation and emotional-social learning upon the adjustment of students in a university context. In addition, this study looks into the differences in achievement motivation and emotional-social learning levels between the genders. The sample comprised 240 university students, both male and female. According to the findings, the relationship between the study variables does not significantly differ between genders. Emotional-social learning is significant in terms of predicting the adjustment. Furthermore, gender differences were noted in terms of emotional-social learning levels, but not in terms of achievement motivation and social connectedness. The study explores implications of the significance of emotional-social learning in the university environment and makes recommendations in light of these implications.


2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 129-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesse Cale ◽  
Andrew Day ◽  
Sharon Casey ◽  
David Bright ◽  
Jo Wodak ◽  
...  

The current study examined the impact of vocational education and training in the custody setting on returns to custody among Australian adult prisoners from selected jurisdictions. Vocational education and training, education, and behavioural change programme participation in custody and demographic and risk assessment data were provided by correctional services in four Australian states for 10,834 Australian prisoners released from custody in 2010–2011. This information was used to predict returns to custody by 2015–2016. Overall, the results showed that participating in vocational education and training in custody contributed to the likelihood of remaining custody free at two and five years post-release for both male and female prisoners. However, for males the relationship was moderated by risk level. These findings are discussed in the context of developing vocational education and training in prison settings to address the specific needs of individuals and expectation of the wider community.


1996 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 132-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather A. Hausenblas ◽  
Albert V. Carron

There were two main purposes in the present study. The first was to identify the nature of the self-handicaps reported by elite female and male athletes (N = 245). School commitments and sport problems represented the most frequently cited impediments. Female athletes reported a significantly greater number of disruptions and had a greater tendency to report that sport problems, physical state/illness, and family/friend problems hindered their preparation. The second purpose was to determine whether cohesion would moderate the extent to which athletes would use self-handicapping strategies prior to competition. Hierarchical multiple regression revealed that cohesion was a moderator in the relationship between the trait of self-handicapping (Excuse Making) and the use of self-handicapping for both female and male elite athletes. Results of post hoc analyses indicated that athletes who were highly predisposed to self-handicap and who perceived their group as more cohesive, had a greater tendency to proactively perceive impediments to subsequent performance.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 408-418
Author(s):  
Ellen J. Staurowsky ◽  
Benjamin Koch ◽  
Grace Dury ◽  
Cooper Hayes

In this essay, the authors explored Pinsker’s conception of two pandemics, as reflected in the concerns expressed about the future of women’s sport, prospects for female athletes, and the security of women leaders in sport as they emerged in articles published in national news sources. The purpose of this essay was to capture, in a limited way, how women’s sport concerns surfaced in the media in the aftermath of a forced industry shutdown; to gauge reactions, assess real and perceived threats; and to examine how and whether this crisis inspired positive thoughts about women’s sport opportunities for the future. Our work is based on the tracking of articles published in major news outlets about the impact of the pandemic on women’s sport from March 10, 2020, to May 25, 2020. Readings of the collected articles revealed several themes that fit within the two pandemics framework: reactions to the loss of momentum in women’s sport; fears regarding a reversal in gains made by women’s sport in the marketplace as competition for limited resources escalates; concerns about women’s sport participation decreasing due to cuts and delays in programs; and a focused commitment to gender equity and maintaining momentum, even in the face of significant headwinds.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e000712 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Rice ◽  
Lisa Olive ◽  
Vincent Gouttebarge ◽  
Alexandra G Parker ◽  
Patrick Clifton ◽  
...  

ObjectivesTo examine the sensitivity/specificity of the Athlete Psychological Strain Questionnaire (APSQ) in both male and female elite athletes, and also assess internal consistency and convergent/divergent validity, and determine discriminative validity relative to current injury status.MethodsData were provided by 1093 elite athletes (males n=1007; females n=84). Scale validity and reliability values were benchmarked against validated measures of general psychological distress and well-being. ROC curve analysis determined a range of optimal severity cut-points.ResultsBias-corrected area under curve (AUC) values supported three APSQ cut-points for moderate (AUC=0.901), high (AUC=0.944) and very high (AUC=0.951) categories. APSQ total score Cronbach coefficients exceeded those observed for the Kessler 10 (K-10). Gender ×injury status interactions were observed for the APSQ total score and K-10, whereby injured female athletes reported higher scores relative to males and non-injured female counterparts.ConclusionBy providing a range of cut-off scores identifying those scoring in the marginal and elevated ranges, the APSQ may better facilitate earlier identification for male and female elite athletes vulnerable to mental health symptoms and developing syndromes. Use of the APSQ may support sports medicine practitioners and allied health professionals to detect early mental ill health manifestations and facilitate timely management and ideally, remediation of symptoms.


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 54
Author(s):  
Sevde Mavi Var ◽  
Irfan MARANGOZ

This study aims to scale average leg volume and mass scales of elite male and female athletes in some olympicsports. A total of 280 elite athletes comprising of 200 males and 80 females studying at School of Physical Educationand Sports at University of Kirsehir Ahi Evran voluntarily participated in this study. Frustum and Hanavan methodswere used to determine leg volume and mass, respectively. SPSS 22.0 package program for Windows was used fordescriptive statistics analysis of the study. The present study found average leg volume and mass scale of maleathletes in football, basketball, volleyball, handball, gymnastics and wrestling and female athletes in football,basketball, volleyball, handball, gymnastics, box, taekwondo and tennis. It was observed in the related scale that legvolume of the athletes in the lowest weight classes in weight sports were lower. In other words, leg volume and massof the athletes were in direct proportion to their weight class. When the scale of female athletes is analyzed, it can benoted that volleyball players have the highest leg volume and mass among team sports players.


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