‘It was Hard, But it was Good’: a qualitative exploration of stress-related growth in Division I intercollegiate athletes

Exploring Traumas in the Development of Talent: What Are They, What Do They Do, and What Do They Require?

“…To be clear, we do not suggest that memorable traumas are forced by program leaders; indeed, the memorability of a trauma is clearly a matter of personal interpretation. Rather, it seems reasonable to promote, in accordance with prior work (Collins & MacNamara, 2012;Crust & Clough, 2011;Galli & Reel, 2012;Sarkar et al, 2015), the inclusion of appropriately structured and managed trauma (or challenge) in talent programs. Specifically, trauma that (a) elicits a challenge rather than a threat state (Kassam, Koslov, & Mendes, 2009), (b) is given to athletes with sufficient skills, attitudes, and prior learning to take it on and benefit, (c) is delivered in a supportive environment, and (d) elicits outcomes that can all be framed with a developmental lens.…”

Adversarial Growth After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

“…Perceptions of growth in relating to others and personal strength increased from prior to surgery to 6 months after surgery and remained elevated through the 2-year assessment. Perceived growth in interpersonal relations and mental resolve have been documented in previous research on perceived benefits of injury (e.g., Galli & Reel, 2012b; Galli & Vealey, 2008; Podlog & Eklund, 2006; Rodenkirk, 1999; San José, 2003; Tracey, 2003; Udry et al, 1997; Wadey et al, 2013; Wadey, et al, 2011) and other sport-related forms of adversity (Galli & Reel, 2012a). Perceptions of spiritual change, however, were more ephemeral, increasing from the preoperative assessment to the 6-month assessment, but decreasing to presurgery levels thereafter.…”

“…Results of other qualitative studies have substantiated and elaborated on the themes of positivity described by Udry et al (1997). Specifically, the studies (e.g., Galli & Reel, 2012b; Galli & Vealey, 2008; Podlog & Eklund, 2006; Rodenkirk, 1999; San José, 2003; Tracey, 2003; Wadey, Clark, Podlog, & McCullough, 2013; Wadey, Evans, Evans, & Mitchell, 2011) have provided additional examples of the themes that Udry et al identified, documented perceived benefits of injury in samples of athletes in sports other than skiing, and, in some cases, identified themes not evident in the responses of the participants in the Udry et al study.…”

“…It is important to use methods that reflect that growth is fundamentally a process, not an event. Consequently, researchers have called for the implementation of longitudinal studies to examine the course of adversarial growth after sport injury (e.g., Galli & Reel, 2012b; Wadey et al, 2011). Outside the sport injury literature, although it has been assumed that perceived benefits emerge “relatively late in the process of adapting to a major loss or threatening event…benefits appear to be found within weeks of the event and retained for many years” (Tennen & Affleck, 2002, pp.…”

The Holistic Athletic Healthcare Model: Addressing the Developmental, Social, and Cultural Needs of Collegiate Athletes

“…Such power can create a barrier between the healthcare team and athlete, resulting in the athlete withholding pertinent health information to ensure he/she can continue to play. When student-athletes are aware that their institution prioritizes athlete well-being, long-term health, and confidentiality, athletes are more likely to engage in a therapeutic relationship (Galli & Reel, 2014). To maximize the impact of this relationship, healthcare providers must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to address the developmental and social needs of adolescents and young adults.…”