1. 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.

2. 2 How Injuries Happen Personality Factors –to date, personality factors associated with athlete injuries have not been successfully identified. Stress Levels –people with high levels of life stress have more sport and exercise-related injuries.

3. 3 How Injuries Happen The stress-injury relationship is complex. –The greatest stress sources for injured athletes were not the physical aspects but the psychological ones (e.g., “fear” of re-injury, shattered hopes or dreams). –Teaching stress management can reduce risk of injury.

4. 4 Explaining the Stress-Injury Relationship Other stress-injury relationship explanations:

5. 5 Psychological Reactions to Exercise and Athletic Injuries Three general categories of emotional reactions to being injured: 1.Injury-relevant information processing 2.Emotional upheaval and reactive behaviors. 3.Positive outlook, coping Most experience typical responses to injury, but speed and ease of progress through stages can vary widely.

6. 6 Other Injury Reactions Identity Loss

7. 7 Other Injury Reactions Fear and Anxiety

8. 8 Other Injury Reactions Lack of Confidence

9. 9 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.

10. 10 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.

11. 11 Role of Sport Psychology in Injury Rehabilitation Key Points:

12. 12 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.

13. 13 Role of Sport Psychology in Injury Rehabilitation Teach specific coping skills. Teach how to cope with setbacks. Foster social support. Learn from injured athletes.

14. 14 Recommendations for Facilitating Rehabilitation for Coaches Faster coach-athlete contact and involvement. Demonstrate positive empathy and support. Don’t repeatedly mention injury in training.