A case study investigating the transactional stress process in sport

Abstract

This study investigated the stress process from a transactional perspective with a semi-professional rugby union performer. A qualitative research design was utilised, using semi-structured interviews across a four week period. The demands were examined with a primary emphasis on media as a specific example. The appraisals, emotions, emotional orientations and behaviours were expanded in relation to each stressor. A variety of performance, organisational and media demands were identified. The majority of these stressors parallel the findings from earlier research. A number of previously unreported demands emerged as a consequence of the longitudinal design. This study illuminated the whole stress process in a sports performer over a continued period of time. The emotional orientation, as developed by Fletcher et al. (2006) was strongly supported. A range of emotions were illustrated, with the majority interpreted as facilitative for performance. Practical implications were considered in relation to specific coping strategies for dealing with demands and emotions. Future studies should extend this research by placing a greater emphasis on the reciprocal nature of stress.