StatisticsStatistics

Estimates of 5-15 million adults and children injured each year in sport, exercise and recreational settings

Almost 100% of the 1200 NFL players will have some injury during a season

How are psychological factors How are psychological factors involved in sports injury?involved in sports injury?

Precursors to injury Influencing recovery Influencing future play

Antecedents to injuryAntecedents to injury

Physical factors– Physical shape (e.g., fitness level;

muscle imbalances)

– Overtraining

– Poor nutrition

– Fatigue

Antecedents to injuryAntecedents to injury

Behavioral & External factors– Hyper-aggressive participation

Bill Johnson

Antecedents to injuryAntecedents to injury

Behavioral & External factors– Hyper-aggressive participation

– Playing surface / conditions / equipment

– Opponent (in some sports)

– Situation (e.g., playoffs)

Antecedents to injuryAntecedents to injury

Psychological factors– Personality (e.g., sensation-seeking, competitive trait

anxiety)

– Stress Studies Theory explaining stress-injury relationship

– Psychological skills / coping

Stress and injury modelStress and injury model

Antecedents to injuryAntecedents to injury

Social factors– Reinforcement in sport for aggressive (risky?) play

– Win-at-all-costs attitude

– Playing with pain (“No pain, no gain”)

Psychological aspects of Psychological aspects of injury and rehabilitationinjury and rehabilitation

HOW WILL AN ATHLETE RESPOND TO INJURY AND THE REHABILITATION PROCESS?

Personal factors– Personality factors (e.g., hardiness)

– History of injury / previous rehab experiences

– Sense of identity as an athlete

Psychological aspects of Psychological aspects of injury and rehabilitationinjury and rehabilitation

Situational factors– The nature of the injury itself

– Time in season and playing status

– Accessibility to rehab

– Others around athlete (do they disappear? become overattentive?)

Psychological aspects of Psychological aspects of injury and rehabilitationinjury and rehabilitation

Cognitive appraisal– Athletes interpret what the injury is going to do to them

– What athlete says to him or herself “Why me?” “Will I ever return to my previous ability level?” “I’m never going to be able to ...” “What does this injury mean for my salary/scholarship/future?” “What is the best way to rehab?” “Will my teammates stick by me?”

– Coping style (optimistic vs. pessimistic; problem-solver)

Psychological aspects of Psychological aspects of injury and rehabilitationinjury and rehabilitation

Emotional reactions– Often follow from the cognitive appraisal

– Can run the gamut of emotions shock / disbelief fear self-pity anger loss of confidence depression / grief (Picabo Street video)

Picabo StreetPicabo Street

"I went through a huge

depression," Ms. Street said. "I went all the way to rock bottom. I

never thought that I ever would experience anything like that in my life."

Picabo StreetPicabo Street“I think it was a combination of

the

atrophying of my legs, the new scars, and feeling like a caged

animal," Ms. Street said. "I went from being a very physical

person, a very powerful athlete, to barely having any strength to

get from my room to the kitchen. You're stuck and you can't do what you normally do

and it makes you crazy."

Psychological aspects of Psychological aspects of injury and rehabilitationinjury and rehabilitation

Behavioral responses– Adherence to rehab regimen

– Acting tough OR being too fearful

– Returning too quickly to practice / competition

– Drug abuse (e.g., painkillers)

– How athlete deals with setbacks

Psychological aspects of Psychological aspects of injury and rehabilitationinjury and rehabilitation

Benefits?– Personal growth / perspective / development of identity

– Psychological performance enhancement

– Physical technical improvement

Facilitating recovery from injuryFacilitating recovery from injury

Education Goal-setting Cognitive-restructuring Imagery Relaxation / Stress-management Staying active with the team / sport Social support (e.g., support groups for injured

athletes)