| Description |
Sport psychology researchers have long been interested in the antecedents and; consequences of stress in athletes. However, despite anecdotal, research, and conceptual evidence for the positive benefits of stress in athletes, no studies have been undertaken that systematically explore the phenomenon of stress-related growth (SRG) in the context of competitive sport. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of (SRG) in Division I intercollegiate athletes. An explanatory mixed methods design was employed. After an initial quantitative phase, qualitative data served as a follow-up to obtain more in-depth responses about SRG in Division I athletes. Less than half (43%) of the athletes reported a moderate to large degree of growth in response to their most difficult sport stressor in the past 3 years. The results of the regression analyses revealed that several demographic, stressor-related, and cognitive appraisal variables contributed significantly to the prediction of SRG. Most notably, being female, feeling more stress currently, and perceiving more control over the occurrence of the stressor all predicted more growth. Interviews with 11 athletes from the larger sample resulted in the emergence of four dimensions: (a) Personal and Sociocultural Context, (b) Disruption, (c) Social Support, and (d) Positive Psychosocial Outcomes. Based on these four dimensions, a conceptual model of SRG was developed. Athletes' struggles and attempts to work through their most difficult sport stressor led them to perceive personal growth in the form of a new life philosophy, self changes, and interpersonal changes. Social support was critical in facilitating athletes' attempts to work through and make meaning from their stressor. The entire SRG process was framed by athletes' life context, including personal; characteristics and sociocultural conditions. Researchers who are interested in conducting; future studies on SRG in sport should consider employing prospective designs, testing plausible rival hypotheses for growth, and examining SRG in at-risk groups of athletes. Coaches can facilitate growth in their athletes by providing them with emotional support and encouragement. Practitioners should be aware of the potential for growth in their clients, and guide athletes as they attempt to make sense of their struggles. |
