Relationship Between Stress and Injury
Injuries are primarily caused by physical factors, but psychological factors have an impact
Athletes with higher levels of stress experience more injuries and illness
- Stress-prone personality types have higher injury rates
- Low social support and coping skills increases injury rates
- Major stressors and little hassles
- Stress management interventions decrease risk of injury
Why Does Stress Impact Injury Risk?
Stress causes attentional disruption
- State anxiety narrows attention
- State anxiety increases internal distractors
Stress increases muscle tension, motor coordination problems, and reduces flexibility
Hardcore attitudes encourage injuries
- “No pain, no gain” fails to teach athletes the difference between “good pain” and “bad pain”
- “More is better” and “Give 110%” may lead to burnout and overuse injuries
Pattern of replacing “worthless” injured players
Psychological Reactions to Injury
Grief response (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance)
3 general response categories:
Injury-relevant information processing
-Asking questions, seeking understanding
Emotional upheaval and reactive behavior
-Isolated, frustrated, anxious, depressed, denial, self-pity
Positive outlook and coping
-Acceptance, optimistic, proactive attitude
Psychology of Injury Recovery
PST positively influences recovery, mood during recovery, coping, and confidence
- Positive self-talk
- Goal-setting
- Relaxation and imagery
- Healing imagery
Foster social support
Cope with setbacks
Systematic desensitization of fears
Focus on quality and mental skills training
Psychology of Pain
Healing imagery
Drawing the pain
Viewing the pain as outside of you
Make the pain worse
Transitions
Transitions occur at all stages of life: Changing schools Aging up in sport Specializing in sport (giving up other pursuits) Finishing a season or sport career Graduating Changing jobs Empty nest syndrome
Change is a part of life
Athletic Transitions
Youth to high school High school to college College to professional Athletic retirement Choice Injury Time Ability
Specialization and Identity
Early sport specialization is more prevalent
Implications for identity formation
- Narrow identity
- Foreclosed identity
You are many different things
-Sport is just one part of what you do
Factors that Influence Transition Process
- Anticipatory socialization
- Identity and self-esteem
- Personal management skills
- Social support systems
- Voluntary v. Involuntary transition
Easing the Transition
Recognizing skills acquired
-Tenacity, organization, adaptability, dedication and perseverance, patience, self-motivation, ability to perform under pressure, goal setting and management
Maintaining balance in life
Approach other areas of life the way you approached sport