Making Headway for Discussions About Concussions: Experiences of Former High School and Collegiate Student-Athletes

Abstract

In order to better understand how to identify and treat student-athletes who experience concussions, better insight into reporting behavior of athletes is needed. This study aims to identify information influencing athletes' attitudes toward reporting their concussions and the perceived trajectory of their recovery both athletically and academically. Twenty-five former high school and collegiate athletes who experienced concussions in a wide variety of sports, organizational levels, and time periods gave insight through structured, qualitative interviews. A number of factors regarding education about concussions, proper diagnosis of concussions, and motivational pressures within high school and collegiate athletics were assessed. Eight major themes were identified regarding the participants' experiences with sport-related concussion: optimism bias, invisibility of the injury, diagnostic barriers, desire to play, external support and pressures, uncertainty of long-term prognosis, generational factors, and protection of future athletes. The findings support that underreporting of concussions among those players interviewed is related to misperceived risk, lack of education, and a struggle between internal and external pressures to play through injury. However, those who did seek medical and academic support, often did receive the necessary aid.

Helmet use in equestrian athletes: opportunities for intervention

“…While it is possible that horses may learn such behavior, the adage has become threaded into equestrian culture so deeply that unless injury is obvious (i.e., blood or displaced limbs), peer pressure to remount may supersede any concerns of a less obvious but still serious injury, such as concussion. Indeed, the invisibility of a head injury [ 17 ] and peer pressure to perform are common risk factors that can lead to concussion underreporting behaviors in many sports [ 18 ]. A too-early return to activities exacerbates symptoms, raises the risk for long-term sequelae [ 19 , 20 ] and can place riders at risk for further injury due to neurological changes that occur in concussion (i.e., balance problems, dizziness).…”

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“…It is not limited to certain genders, races or ages and can happen in any context. For instance, college athletes tend to downplay the risk of experiencing sport-related concussions (Oddo et al. , 2019).…”

“…It is not limited to certain genders, races or ages and can happen in any context. For instance, college athletes tend to downplay the risk of experiencing sport-related concussions (Oddo et al, 2019). Nandedkar and Midha (2012) detailed how optimism bias could motivate college students to engage in online music piracy despite the substantial risk of getting caught.…”

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