How Many Concussions Would It Take for Athletes to Choose to Discontinue Participation in Their Primary Sport?

The process by which athletes decide to continue or discontinue sport participation after concussion has not been explicated. Intercollegiate and club sport athletes (N = 394) completed an online survey that included assessments of demographic factors, the total number of concussions (and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears) that would prompt sport retirement, concussion history, and athletic identity. On average, participants reported that they would retire from their primary sport after sustaining 3 to 4 concussions (and approximately 2 ACL tears). The total number of concussions reported was negatively correlated with the number of additional concussions it would take to precipitate sport retirement. Athletic identity was positively associated with the number of concussions that participants with a history of one or more concussions reported would prompt them to retire from their primary sport. The results provide information of potential utility to professionals implementing concussion education programs and working with athletes at risk of experiencing concussion.

A Qualitative Examination of Sport Retirement in Former NCAA Division I Athletes

Statistics indicate that the overwhelming majority of NCAA Division I college athletes will not continue in their sport professionally (NCAA, 2019). Therefore, there is a need to develop a deeper understanding of the variables that influence college athletes’ psychological health and well-being as they transition to retirement. The present study gathered detailed information about 15 former NCAA Division I college athletes’ retirement experiences four to five months post retirement. The findings suggested that the former college athletes had varied retirement experiences ranging from negative to positive. All college athletes who reported having a successful retirement transition described having at least one identified support group, stated they accomplished their athletic goals, indicated they had started pursuing other interests, and identified some positive aspects about their lives since retirement. Alternatively, the college athletes who reported having an unsuccessful retirement transition revealed they did not accomplish most of their athletic goals and struggled to identify any positive aspects about their lives since retirement. The findings of this study highlight the diversity in college athletes’ retirement experiences that can occur. Although there is still much more to ascertain about athlete retirement, this exploration into college athletes’ retirement experiences offers practical implications for athletes, coaches, practitioners, and those who want to provide support for a retiring athlete.

Handbook of Disability Sport and Exercise Psychology

This book seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the research done in sport and exercise psychology with individuals with disabilities. Research from diverse academic disciplines such as psychology, medicine, health, recreation, kinesiology, sociology and disability studies is reviewed. In the first part of the book, covering 5 chapters, philosophy of science issues, models of disability, how to conduct quality research, research controversies, and living with a disability are explored. In a second section on sport psychology, covering 19 chapters, diverse topics such as self-efficacy, athletic and superchip identities, motivation, self-esteem, peer relationships, sport retirement, coaching, and performance enhancement are covered. In the last part on exercise psychology, covering 16 chapters, a range of topic such as obesity and fitness, exercise barriers, body image, quality of life, physical education, wounded warriors, intellectual impairments, and gender issues are discussed. All chapters conclude with extensive directions for new avenues of research and exploration.

“Retirement” from Intercollegiate Sport: Theoretical and Empirical Considerations

Survey data from 1,123 former intercollegiate athletes (427 males and 697 females) were examined relative to commitment to a sport role, educational and occupational preparation, postcareer sport participation, social interests, and adjustment to sport retirement. Chi-square and factor analyses revealed that the former athletes in this study did not totally withdraw from the system of sport, that some shifting or reprioritization of interests occurred during their athletic career, and that the process of leaving sport may be more gradual or transitional than previously believed. Patterns obtained were similar for both males and females, and there was little evidence to suggest these athletes experienced adjustment difficulties. In light of these findings, an alternative conceptualization of the sport “retirement” process is offered.