Psychological Factors in Athletic Injuries

Some 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 Personality Factors Practice/Training Stress Levels

Impact of Injury Overemphasis on acting tough and giving 110% attitude Failure to distinguish between normal discomfort and injury pain “You’re injured” or “you’re worthless” attitude from coaches/teammates Money/contracts/scholarships The greatest stress are often psychological (e.g., “fear” of re-injury, shattered hopes or dreams).

Athletes at Risk Combination of conditions puts athletes at greater risk of injury: –Negative life stresses –Increase in daily hassles –Previous injuries –Poor coping resources All mediated by athlete’s personality

Athletes at Risk Study at University of Wisconsin: –Study assessed life stress of football players at UW –9% of players with low life stress experienced injuries that season (missed >3 practices or 1 game) –50% of players with high life stress (personal/family problems) experienced injuries that season

Reactions to Injury Identity Loss –When 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.

Reactions to Injury Fear and Anxiety –When injured, athletes can experience high levels of fear and anxiety. They worry about 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.

Reactions to Injury Lack of Confidence –Given 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. 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.

Strategies for Coping with Injury 2 most common coping strategies are problem-focused and emotion-focused

Strategies for Coping with Injury Problem-focused: –Direct efforts at managing or altering the problem that causes the stress Ex. Learn about treatment options Setting (SMART) goals Adhering to rehabilitation

Strategies for Coping with Injury Emotion-focused strategies –Directed at managing the emotions that are experienced as a result of the injury Ex. Positive self-talk Relaxation techniques Imagery to “practice” and relax –These strategies involve dealing directly with the feelings of the injury

Role of Sport Psychology in Injury Rehabilitation Key Points –a holistic approach is needed, emphasizing both the healing of the mind and body. –psychological factors play an important role in injury recovery. (Orlick, 1991) –injury treatment should include psychological techniques to enhance the healing and recovery process.

Role of Sport Psychology in Injury Rehabilitation Build rapport with the injured party. –Take the athlete’s perspective, provide emotional support, and be realistic but positive and optimistic. –Educate the injured person about the injury and recovery process.

Role of Sport Psychology in Injury Rehabilitation Teach specific coping skills. –discuss goal setting, positive self-talk, imagery, visualization and relaxation training. Teach how to cope with setbacks. Foster social support. Learn from injured athletes.

Recommendations for Facilitating Rehabilitation for Coaches Faster coach-athlete contact and involvement. Demonstrate positive empathy and support. Don’t repeatedly mention injury in training.