Examining the differences between the psychological responses to injury, and the social support networks available in team and individual sports

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to examine the differences between the psychological responses to injury and the social support networks available in team and individual sports performers. Seven university subjects took part; all had an injury within the last six to eight months that had left them unable to participate in their chosen sport for three weeks or more. The subjects took part in an interview that used questions adapted from the social support survey (SSS, Richman, Rosenfeld and Hardy, 1993) and the psychological responses to sport injury inventory (PRSII). Results from the interviews suggested that in terms of psychological responses towards injury, there are no significant differences in team and individual sports. However in terms of social support the results showed that team performers looked for more social support even if they were receiving it, where as the individual performers knew the support was available if they needed it. An example of this is from participant A, who states "It was the comfort of knowing someone was there if I needed it". From these results coaches and team managers need to make sure that there are avenues available for injured athletes in terms of social support and help from physios in order to make sure the injury process and re-entry phase is easier for all injured athletes within a university setting.