scholarly journals Learning from the Experiences of Collegiate Athletes Living through a Season- or Career-Ending Injury

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matt A Moore ◽  
Sasa Vann ◽  
Allison Blake

An athlete’s identity is often related to the goals of their team and their ability to achieve excellence in sport. A threat to an athlete’s identity is a season- or career-ending injury. Athletes can respond to season- or career-ending injuries in ways detrimental to their psychosocial well-being (Ivarsson, Tranaeus, Johnson, & Stenling 2017). This study built upon existing knowledge by seeking to better understand the lived experiences of Division I collegiate athletes who experienced a season- or career-ending injury. There is a need for ongoing recommendations for helping athletes process their injuries. Researchers used a descriptive phenomenological approach. Researchers interviewed ten college athletes who experienced a season- or career-ending injury. Themes included: (1) physical and emotional stress, (2) resistance to resiliency, (3) importance of relationships with others, and (4) appreciation and cultivation for new possibilities outside of sport. This research provided insight for behavioral health professionals on injury response. This included the need for Posttraumatic Growth responses such as (1) building strong support pre- and post-injury, (2) recognizing healthy coping mechanisms, (3) cultivating new identities for athletes, (4) helping an athlete with identity loss, (5) helping athletes recognize new possibilities post-injury, and (6) helping an athlete maintain an appreciation for life.

Religions ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 723
Author(s):  
Paola Cavaliere

This paper explores the moderating effect of religious and spiritual coping mechanisms on the COVID-19 pandemic-induced emotional distress among a group of Japanese women practising temple meditation and yoga. A growing body of literature identifies religion and spirituality as sources of coping mechanisms for emotional distress during the pandemic, in that they enable individuals to find ways to improve subjective well-being and quality of life. The study uses a descriptive phenomenological approach, drawing upon narratives collected between September 2020 and June 2021 from thirty-two respondents composed of a mix of religious-affiliated and self-identified non-religious women practising temple meditation and yoga. Findings indicate that more women, including religious affiliates, have favoured spiritual coping mechanisms in the forms of meditation and body–mind practices to build emotional resilience. This reflects a quest for greater subjective well-being to compensate for the increased burden of emotional care during the pandemic. Overall, while organised religions have come to appropriate more holistic forms of spirituality to respond to demands of emotional care, body–mind spiritual practices have become more appealing for younger religious and non-religious Japanese women alike, in that they downplay gender-conforming ideas of the care economy with its emphasis on dedication and dependency.


2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 209-219
Author(s):  
Joon-Young Lee ◽  
Yeoungsuk Song

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe pregnant women’s lived experiences of hospitalization due to preterm labor in Korea. Methods: This qualitative study adopted a phenomenological approach. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with nine participants, over the age of 20 years, who had been hospitalized for more than 1 week after being diagnosed with preterm labor. All interviews were audio-taped and verbatim transcripts were made for analysis. The data were analyzed following Colaizzi’s phenomenological method. Results: The participants’ ages ranged from 26 to 36 years, and all were married women. They were hospitalized for 13.1 days on average. Five thematic clusters emerged from the analysis. ‘Withstanding hospitalization for the fetus’s well-being’ describes women’s feelings during preterm labor and their endurance during their prolonged hospitalization, rooted in their conviction that the fetus comes first. ‘Endless frustration in the hospital’ encompasses women’s emotions while lying in bed and quietly thinking to themselves. ‘Unmet physiological needs’ describes participants’ awareness of their inability to independently handle human physiological needs given the need for careful and limited movement. ‘Gratitude for the support around oneself’ reflects the support from family and medical staff. ‘Shifting perceptions and accepting one’s circumstances’ describes accepting hospitalization and making efforts to spend their remaining time in the hospital in a meaningful way. Conclusion: The findings in this study provide a deeper understanding and insights into the experiences of Korean women with preterm labor during hospitalization, underscoring the need to develop interventions for these patients.


2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siobhán M Griffin ◽  
Elaine Kinsella ◽  
Daragh Bradshaw ◽  
Grace McMahon ◽  
Alastair Nightingale ◽  
...  

Predicting positive psychosocial outcomes following an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) remains a challenge. Considerable research demonstrates that social group memberships can have positive effects on psychological well-being, particularly during life transitions. Social group memberships are argued to help people derive a sense of self. This prospective study examined if social group memberships (number of groups and connectedness with groups) could predict posttraumatic growth (PTG) in those affected by ABI. Thirty-six participants (10 females, Mage = 46.56, SD = 11.46) engaged in community rehabilitation services completed measures at two time-points. Mediation analyses demonstrated that the number of new group memberships (groups formed post-injury) predicted greater PTG at time 2, via stronger connectedness with these new group memberships (controlling for initial PTG). The observed results suggest that a focus on developing and strengthening connections with new group memberships may promote positive adjustment after brain injury.


2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 630-630
Author(s):  
C Quintana ◽  
M A Kelly ◽  
N R Heebner ◽  
D Y Han ◽  
J P Abt ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective Understanding sex and sport-related differences in baseline neurocognitive scores may aid in interpreting post-injury performance. Sex and sport-related differences in neurocognitive performance for collegiate athletes have not been examined on the NIH Toolbox® Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB). Therefore, this study sought to determine if baseline scores on the NIHTB-CB differ between sex or sport in collegiate athletes. It was hypothesized that sex, but not sport-related differences would exist in CB baseline performance. Method 107 Division-I athletes (47 females, 60 males) that participated in soccer (n = 45), football (n = 30), or cheerleading (n = 32) volunteered to participate. Participants completed tablet-based NIHTB-CB assessments including the Flanker Inhibitory Control & Attention (FICA), Dimensional Change Card Sort (DCCS), Picture Sequence Memory (PSM), and Pattern Comparison Processing Speed (PCPS) tests. These assessments measured visual attention, cognitive flexibility, memory recall, and processing speed, respectively. Fully corrected t-scores were used for analyses. Parametric and non-parametric tests compared scores based on sex and sport. Results Females demonstrated greater performance on the PCPS (Females: 64.72 ± 9.84, Males: 61.08 ± 8.85; p = 0.006). Males exhibited better performance on the FICA (Females: 45.72 ± 10.12, Males: 51.03 ± 10.70; p = 0.009). After controlling for sex, a significant difference across sports was identified in the FICA (p = 0.007) with cheerleading (43.81 ± 9.28) exhibiting poorer performance than football (54.33 ± 10.44; p = 0.002) and soccer (48.42 ± 10.28; p = 0.047). No sex or sport differences were identified for the DCCS or PSM. Conclusions Baseline differences in neurocognitive performance exist on the NIHTB-CB based on sex and sport suggesting these variables be taken into consideration when interpreting post-concussion scores in collegiate athletes.


2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 194-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shelley L. Holden ◽  
Christopher M. Keshock ◽  
Brooke E. Forester ◽  
Robert J. Heitman

Introduction:Athlete burnout is a phenomenon that has been studied in previous research and is a concern in terms of athlete’s health and well–being (Capel, Sisley, & Desertrain, 1987; Harris, 2005; Kelley, Eklund, & Ritter-Taylor, 1999; Kjormo & Halvari, 2006; Raedeke, Warren, & Granzyk, 2000). Further, it is assumed by many sport coaches that the longer an athlete competes competitively in a sport, the greater chance for athlete burnout and the potential negative health consequences they could incur.Purpose:The purpose of the current study was to determine the correlation between years of sport competition and an athlete’s level of burnout on the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) subscales of Emotional Exhaustion (EE), Depersonalization (DP), and Personal Accomplishment (PA).Method:The study was limited female athletes at a Division I institution in the Southeastern United States. Participants for this study were obtained via voluntary participation. The number of female athletes who completed the survey was 99. Athletes who participated were members of the women’s basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, track and field, and volleyball teams.Results:The data was analyzed using Pearson correlations. Each burnout subscale was analyzed separately with years of sport competition. Results found no significant (p<.05) correlations between years of sport competition and EE (p=.038), DP (p=.029), or PA (p=-.062).Conclusion:The current findings indicate that years of sport competition are not correlated with levels of burnout and female Division I collegiate athletes. Much prior research has also examined intensive training and effects on young athletes and concluded that there are concerns about intense training and psychological injury (Maffulli & Pintore, 1990). Therefore, based upon prior research and the results of the current study, future research should continue to study the effects of years of competition and burnout in order to truly understand its effects on athletes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 69-80
Author(s):  
Nanette L. Santillan ◽  
Dennis V. Madrigal

Twenty-first-century education recognizes the role of sports as one framework for life-long skills, values, health, and well-being. The purpose of the study was to explore the on and off-field experiences of the six Junior High School student-athletes, the driving forces associated with their participation, and its influences and contribution to their excellent performance both in academics and in sports. This study utilized the qualitative research design using the phenomenological approach to gather insights into the lived experiences of the participants. The recursive textual data analysis revealed five core themes and the essence of the phenomenon: Motivated to Excel, Strong Support System, Rewarding Opportunities, Surpassed the Hurdles, and Exercised Self-Regulation. The themes revealed that the participants highly valued the positive impact of their sports involvement and the support of significant persons in their life. The findings implied that a comprehensive understanding of the intrinsic and extrinsic motivations of the student-athletes, their self-regulation skill, and support system facilitated a more effective approach in providing a nurturing learning environment that enhances academic performance, sports skills, and holistic health. 


2016 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 291-299 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Jacky Chan ◽  
Marta Y. Young ◽  
Noor Sharif

Author(s):  
Cathy G. Bettman ◽  
Alexander Digiacomo

Abstract Currently, Australia’s school counsellors are increasingly being called upon to respond to adolescent mental health needs. Through semistructured interviews with seven school counsellors working with adolescents, this qualitative study aimed to capture the lived experiences of this group of practitioners. By adopting a phenomenological approach and using thematic analysis, this study provides insight into their profession: the current ambiguity surrounding their role; the opportunities and obstacles they face; as well as the often-present tension between stakeholders including parents, other school staff and external agencies. The findings of this study indicate that school counsellors are challenged by the need to be advocates not only for their students but also for themselves and their roles within the school context.


2021 ◽  
pp. 036354652110266
Author(s):  
Keith A. Knurr ◽  
Stephanie A. Kliethermes ◽  
Mikel R. Stiffler-Joachim ◽  
Daniel G. Cobian ◽  
Geoffrey S. Baer ◽  
...  

Background: Preinjury running biomechanics are an ideal comparator for quantifying recovery after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR), allowing for assessments within the surgical and nonsurgical limbs. However, availability of preinjury running biomechanics is rare and has been reported in case studies only. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to determine if running biomechanics return to preinjury levels within the first year after ACLR among collegiate athletes. We hypothesized that (1) surgical knee biomechanics would be significantly reduced shortly after ACLR and would not return to preinjury levels by 12 months and (2) nonsurgical limb mechanics would change significantly from preinjury. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Thirteen Division I collegiate athletes were identified between 2015 and 2020 (6 female; mean ± SD age, 20.7 ± 1.3 years old) who had whole body kinematics and ground-reaction forces recorded during treadmill running (3.7 ± 0.6 m/s) before sustaining an ACL injury. Running analyses were repeated at 4, 6, 8, and 12 months (4M, 6M, 8M, 12M) after ACLR. Linear mixed effects models were used to assess differences in running biomechanics between post-ACLR time points and preinjury within each limb, reported as Tukey-adjusted P values. Results: When compared with preinjury, the surgical limb displayed significant deficits at all postoperative assessments ( P values <.01; values reported as least squares mean difference [SE]): peak knee flexion angle (4M, 13.2° [1.4°]; 6M, 9.9° [1.4°]; 8M, 9.8° [1.4°]; 12M, 9.0° [1.5°]), peak knee extensor moment (N·m/kg; 4M, 1.32 [0.13]; 6M, 1.04 [0.13]; 8M, 1.04 [0.13]; 12M, 0.87 [0.15]; 38%-57% deficit), and rate of knee extensor moment (N·m/kg/s; 4M, 22.7 [2.4]; 6M, 17.9 [2.3]; 8M, 17.5 [2.4]; 12M, 16.1 [2.6]; 33%-46% deficit). No changes for these variables from preinjury ( P values >.88) were identified in the nonsurgical limb. Conclusion: After ACLR, surgical limb knee running biomechanics were not restored to the preinjury state by 12M, while nonsurgical limb mechanics remained unchanged as compared with preinjury. Collegiate athletes after ACLR demonstrate substantial deficits in running mechanics as compared with preinjury that persist beyond the typical return-to-sport time frame. The nonsurgical knee appears to be a valid reference for recovery of the surgical knee mechanics during running, owing to the lack of change within the nonsurgical limb.


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