Citation

Bateman A, Morgan KAD. J. Sport Rehab. 2019; 28(2): 144-152.

Affiliation

Department of Sociology, Psychology and Social Work, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Human Kinetics Publishers)

DOI

10.1123/jsr.2017-0140

PMID

29091514

Abstract

CONTEXT: Athletes at the highest levels appear to be most affected by sport-related injuries and suffer both physiologically and psychologically. Established models of psychological responses to injury however do not offer a comprehensive explanation based on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), though some studies suggest that injuries may be interpreted as traumatic. Studies also suggest that perceived self-efficacy may be a mediator of PTSD development.

OBJECTIVE: This study examines the psychological sequelae experienced by high-level athletes as a result of sport related injuries based on a PTSD-Self-Efficacy framework.

DESIGN: A cross-sectional, survey design was used. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-six athletes (30 males and 16 females) from four different sports were conveniently sampled and completed a questionnaire battery assessing injury characteristics, trauma sequelae and self-efficacy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Present Injury Status, PTSD symptomatology, General Self-Efficacy.

RESULTS: Injury was found to be associated with elevated levels of PTSD symptomatology. The presence of injury was a significant predictor of general PTSD and specifically hyperarousal symptoms, however general self-efficacy was not found to predict trauma-related symptoms. There were indications however that self-efficacy beliefs may affect injury-related factors.

CONCLUSIONS: This research highlights the presence of PTSD-related psychological dysfunction associated with sport injury and further uncovers the possible impacts of self-efficacy beliefs in managing the stress of injury. These findings highlight the need for psychological support as injured athletes undergo rehabilitation.

Language: en

Keywords

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; high-level athletes; injury; self-efficacy; trauma