The psychological effects of dealing with a serious injury : a qualitative study on the athlete’s experience

Abstract

The aim of this qualitative study was to explore in-depth the lived experiences of athletes dealing with a serious injury, by giving importance to the psychological effects that athletes may experience when coping and recovering from the injury. Six athletes who at some point had sustained an injury severe enough to cause them to temporarily or permanently stop practicing their chosen sport were interviewed. The qualitative data was analysed via thematic analysis. The analysis revealed four themes : ‘Physical Pain’, ‘Emotional and Psychological Pain’, ‘Rehabilitation of the Body and Mind’, and ‘Support’. The participants’ unique experiences showed how emotionally damaging sustaining an injury can be for anyone, especially athletes. The main emotional ramifications that emerged were denial, anger, depression and acceptance, mirroring the work of Kübler-Ross (1969), the five stage model of dealing with loss and bereavement. Support from various spheres as well as personal determination were found to be key in the recovery process. This study can aid in gaining a better understanding of the implications of athletic injury, and provide information to exhibit the importance of psychological and emotional rehabilitation, along with physical recovery.