Psychological Factors in

Athletic InjuriesSome 3 to 5 million people are injured each year in sport and exercise.

Physical factors are the primary causes of injury, but psychological factors can also contribute.

How Injuries Happen

Psychological Antecedents

To date, personality factors associated with athlete injuries have not been successfully identified.

Personality factors

People with high levels of life stress have more sport- and exercise-related injuries.

Stress levels

How Injuries Happen

The greatest stress sources for injured athletes were not the physical aspects

but the psychological ones (e.g., “fear” of re-injury, shattered hopes or dreams).Teaching stress management can reduce risk of injury.

The stress-injury relationship is complex.

Stress–Athletic Injury Model

Explaining the Stress–Injury Relationship

Overemphasis on acting tough and a giving-110% attitude

Other stress-injury relationship explanations:

Failure to distinguish between normal discomfort and injury pain

“You’re injured” or “you’re worthless” attitude

Psychological Reactions to Exercise and Athletic Injuries

Injury-relevant information processing1.

Emotional upheaval and reactive behaviors

2.

Positive outlook, copingMost experience typical response to injury, but speed and ease of progress through stages can vary widely

3.

Three general categories of emotional reactions to being injured:

Other Injury Reactions

Identity LossWhen athletes can no longer participate because of an injury, they may experience a loss of personal identity. That is, an important part of themselves is lost, seriously affecting self-concept.

Other Injury Reactions

Fear and AnxietyWhen injured, athletes can experience high levels of fear and anxiety. They worry whether they will recover, if re-injury will occur, and whether someone will replace them permanently in the lineup. Because the athlete cannot practice and compete there’s plenty of time for worry.

Other Injury Reactions

Lack of ConfidenceGiven the inability to practice and compete and deteriorated physical status, athletes can lose confidence after an injury. Lowered confidence can result in decreased motivation, inferior performance, or additional injury because the athlete overcompensates.

Signs of Poor Adjustment to Athletic Injuries

Feelings of anger and confusion

Obsession with the question of when one can return to play

Denial (e.g., “The injury is no big deal.”)Repeatedly coming back too soon and experiencing re-injury

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Exaggerated bragging about accomplishments

Signs of Poor Adjustment to Athletic Injuries

Dwelling on minor physical complaints

Guilt about letting the team down

Withdrawal from significant others

Rapid mood swings

Statements indicating that no matter what is done, recovery will not occur

Role of Sport Psychology in Injury Rehabilitation

A holistic approach is needed, emphasizing both the healing of the mind and body.

Injury treatment should include psychological techniques to enhance the healing and recovery process.

-Goal setting (consider task orientation)-Relaxation skills-Imagery-Positive self-talk & cognitive re-structuring

Key points:

Role of Sport Psychology in Injury Rehabilitation

Take the athlete’s perspective, provide emotional support, and be realistic but positive and optimistic.

Build rapport with the injured party.

Educate the injured person about the injury and recovery process.

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Role of Sport Psychology in Injury Rehabilitation

Discuss goal setting, positive self-talk, imagery, visualization and relaxation training.

Teach specific coping skills.

Teach how to cope with setbacks.Foster social support.

Learn from injured athletes.

Recommendations for Facilitating Rehabilitation for Coaches

Faster coach-athlete contact and continued team involvement.

Demonstrate positive empathy and support.

Don’t repeatedly mention injury in training.