Psychological Responses to Injury Matt Morris

Aims and Objectives Aims : Objectives :

Introduction The response to injury varies from individual to individual. It may vary within an individual alone, dependent on when the injury occurs - at the start of a training session, middle of a season or during a major competition. The reaction is initially negative in the main but positive attitudes can be formed. For example, it may give an individual more personal time to spend with family and friends, or to develop new skills such as coaching. In reality while some people struggle with the negative feelings they experience, most cope without difficulty, particular if the injury isn't severe.

Reactions to Injury Various theoretical models have been proposed to explain response to injury. These all include as early reactions: Shock, Disbelief and Denial Followed by possible further responses: Anger, Depression, Tension, Helplessness, Acceptance, Adaptation and Reorganisation.

Anger After the initial shock is over, many athletes tend to play down the significance of the injury. However, as the injury becomes more apparent, shock is often replaced by anger directed towards themselves or towards other people. The responses can vary in intensity depending on situational and personal factors but can be especially strong on individual who self concept and personal identity are based on being an athlete/player/competitor. The loss of this identity due to the inability to perform can cause much distress

Isolation and Depression Following anger, the injured athlete might try bargaining or rationalizing to avoid the reality of the situation. A runner may promise to train extra hard on return to training. By confronting reality, and realizing and understanding the consequences of injury, an individual can become depressed at the uncertainty of the future. An injured individual may become to feel isolated fro the team, and in turn could have an negative impact on the athlete.

Tension and Helplessness Tension and Helplessness are then generated as the individual becomes frustrated at not being able to continue as normal with training or playing. Again the isolation that injury causes, from a normal routine or from being with ’the team’, can be difficult for some people to accept.

Acceptance Finally, the individual starts to move towards an acceptance of the injury and adaptation of the lifestyle while injured. The focus is then turned to rehabilitation and a return to sports activity. This stag tends to mark the transition from an emotional stage to a problem coping stage as the individual realizes what needs to be done to aid recovery. The timescale for progression through these stages can vary considerably depending on the severity of the injury, and during rehabilitation there can be set backs which lead to further emotional disturbance. In some cases, of very serious injuries, a skilled psychologist might be required!

Strategies Motivations and goal-setting strategies have been shown to help people. It is possible as a coach, trainer or parent to help an injured individual recover sensibly, effectively and more positively by encouraging them to follow professional advice relating to physical rehabilitation. The channeling of a positive attitude can ease the rehabilitation for not just the athlete but also those around them!

Case Study Daniel Sturridge - http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11669/10530705/daniel- sturridge-timeline-of-liverpool-strikers-injuries Jack Wilshere - http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/jack- wilshere-injury-latest-its-been-difficult-to-stay-positive-says-arsenal-midfielder-a6853851.html

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