Psychological Effects of Athletic Injuries

Abstract

This paper explores the articles published with results based on research conducted on the psychological triggers of athletic injuries, and how to treat the psychological disturbances of injured athletes to ensure their successful return to their respective sports. The results suggest that stressful life events, coping skills, and social support (Smith, Smoll, & Ptacek, 1990) have an influence on the vulnerability of athletes toward injuries. Furthermore, in a study by Kentta and Hassmen (1998), the results propose that the external pressures on athletes to excel can lead to overtraining syndrome, which can contribute to to an athlete’s susceptibility toward injury. Research conducted by Christakou and Lavallee (2009) suggests that once the athletes are injured, their acceptance of injury and adherence to rehabilitation is what will predict whether they return to competition. Lastly, this paper examines how athletes could experience re-injury anxiety, which would prevent progress in their rehabilitation process (Wadey, Podlog, Hall, Hamson-Utley, Hicks-Little, & Hammer, 2014) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which could inhibit the athletes from continuing to perform even once they are physically healed (Taylor, 2008).