A grounded theory of sport injury-related growth.

Abstract

1Although previous research has shown that experiencing an injury can act as a catalyst for self-2 development, research that has examined the concept of sport injury-related growth (SIRG) 3 remains largely descriptive. This study aimed to address this by developing a substantive theory 4 to explain the processes through which injured athletes experienced SIRG. Using Strauss and 5Corbin's (1998) variant of grounded theory, 37 injured athletes competing in a range of sports 6 and competitive levels participated in qualitative interviews. Interviews (N=70) and data analysis 7were conducted over a period of 24 months. Transcripts were analyzed using open, axial, and 8 selective coding. Quality criteria used were fit, relevance, workability, and modifiability. The 9 grounded theory produced (i.e., Theory of Sport Injury-Related Growth) suggests a number of 10 internal (i.e., personality, coping styles, knowledge and prior experience, and perceived social 11 support) and external factors (i.e., cultural scripts, physical resources, time, and received social 12 support) enable injured athletes to transform their injury into an opportunity for growth and 13 development. The mechanisms through which this occurs are meta-cognitions, positive 14 reappraisal, positive emotions, and facilitative responses. This theory offers a number of exciting 15 avenues for future research, and provides medical personnel and practicing sport psychologists 16 with a detailed explanation of how sport injury can lead to growth experiences. 17 18

Developing Mental Toughness: Lessons from Paralympians

“…Furthermore, reflection on their personal traumatic experience has produced high levels of self-awareness, self-actualization and confidence in their ability to overcome demanding situations and moments of high challenge. Injury related growth has been reported to produce a realistic perspective and psychologically based performance enhancements such as an increased sense of MT, improved confidence and a commitment to training as a result of recovering ( Roy-Davis et al, 2016 ; Salim et al, 2016 ). Despite the many situations where non-acceptance of limiting factors (potential obstacles) have been linked with MT in Paralympians, there is a consensus that acceptance of personal and individual disability, and specifically body awareness (e.g., recognition of physical limits) is important for initiating personal growth and development.…”

“…Despite the many situations where non-acceptance of limiting factors (potential obstacles) have been linked with MT in Paralympians, there is a consensus that acceptance of personal and individual disability, and specifically body awareness (e.g., recognition of physical limits) is important for initiating personal growth and development. Sport related injuries have previously been found to provide a traumatic experience whereby internal resources (e.g., personality, coping styles, knowledge, prior experience, and perceived social support) and external resources (i.e., cultural scripts, physical resources, time, and received social support) enable injured athletes to transform their injury into an opportunity for growth and development ( Crawford et al, 2014 ; Roy-Davis et al, 2016 ). We believe that our findings add support to the sport injury related growth model.…”

Strategies and Solutions for Team Sports Athletes in Isolation due to COVID-19

“…A very similar situation occurs after an athlete suffers a serious injury. Those athletes who use rehabilitation as an opportunity for athletic development generally return to competition in a better shape for the rest of the season, which consequently positively affects their future career [44]. In other words, this isolation is an opportunity for both a complete physiological and mental reset as well as for the athlete's integral development.…”

“…Based on the current scientific and practical evidence, we strongly recommend the following points: -Encourage, provoke and motivate the athlete to reset their mindset and use this break as an opportunity for personal development [44]; -Organize appropriate guidance and support to athletes by experts (sports coach, strength and conditioning coach, nutritionist, doctor, psychologist) by using technology (video call, e-mail, telephone, text messages); -Educate and encourage athletes to apply appropriate preventive behavior and hygiene measures to promote immunity and protect their own health and the health of the people in their immediate environment [ Organize personalized strength and conditioning training at home with available space and material resources that are tailored to the athlete's individual characteristics and current needs [45].…”

Coaches’ implementation strategies in providing social support to Singaporean university athletes: A case study

“…It also increased likelihood of heightened levels of functioning (i.e. sport injury-related growth) [5], satisfaction [6], as well as lower lever of anxiety after the injury [7][8]. Furthermore, social support appears to be important in overcoming adversity in athletic career [9], and in various athletic career transitions, for instance, when transitioning from the amateur sport to professional sport [10], from youth sport to senior sport [11][12], and finally, in adjusting to retirement from elite sport [13][14].…”