A case study investigating the transactional stress process in sport

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Author
Horrocks, Paul
Date
2008Type
Dissertation
Publisher
University of Wales Institute Cardiff
Metadata
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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.