If I can't be an athlete anymore, who am I? The impact of physical illness on identity

Abstract

This study explores the impact of physical illness on the identity formation of adolescent athletes. The specific aims of the study were to examine the process of identity formation, psychological and psychosocial factors, and the role parents and helping professionals play in the adolescent athletes’ healing journey. The researcher used a phenomenological approach to create a platform to share their stories and make meaning of their lived experiences (Creswell & Poth, 2018). Nine participants, between the ages of 18-35, participated in the study. The researcher used snowball sampling to recruit the participants, and through online semi-structured interviews, the exploration and sharing of consciousness unfolded. The researcher used ATLAS.ti to organize and secure the data and analyzed the participants’ reflections through interpretative phenomenological analysis. The findings indicated several important implications and contributions to the field, including those related to illness, loss, identity, and attachment. Ultimately, this preliminary study serves as a framework for clinical social workers as well as those who are involved in research, policy, and community-based work like schools and medical facilities. Through these stories, social workers and other helping professionals learn the power of connection and the importance of respecting the dignity and worth of the adolescent athlete.