Psychological responses and adjustments to sport injuries by varsity athletes

by Chute, Nikala N.

Sport injuries pervadethe lives of athletic participants. The emotional impact suffered by injured athletes is not hlly understood and has perhaps been underestimated. This study examined the atfective responses and adjustments of varsity athletes to sport injuries. In a prospective investigation, athletes @ = 269) completed The Profile of Mood States and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Inventory pre-season, immediately post-injury occurrence (n= 30) and one week post-injury adjustment (n = 7). SeIf-esteem was reportedly high and remained unchanged. Paired t-tests revealed significant post-injury decreases in vigor, notable dezreases in fatigue, and increases in depression immediatelyfollowing the injury episode. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed a continuation of mood disturbance. Specifically, vigor continued to decline significantly and depression remained elevated one week post-injury- These results support the general observation that injured athletes do experience emotional disturbance. The present findings are especially meaningful upon consideration of the mild to moderate nature of the injuries experienced. The significance of sport involvement ascribed by athletes combined with the contextual parameters of participation are hypothesized to be important factors in the mediation of psychological responses. It is with sincere appreciation that I acknowledge my supervisor, Dr. John Albinson. To both Dave Ross and Joanna Brooks, for your assistance in my data collectionand to Dr. Terry Smith foryour guidance in the statistical analysis of my research. To Nikki and Krista, for your friendship and support. To kmima, you are truly a special person This experiencewould not have been the same without you. I will sadly miss you all- To Mr. and Mrs. Hindall, with sincere appreciation for your kindness and generosity. Thank you for welcoming me into your home, while mine was so far away. To Steve, for your steadfast encouragement and support. Your faith in me has meant a great deal. Finally, a special acknowledgment to my Mom You mean more to me than words can say. I am, as always, gratefbl for your constant love and support. ... Ill