Date of Award
Spring 2020
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Psychology; College of Arts & Sciences
First Advisor
Dr. Clabaugh
Abstract
ERICA MOYER
The Fear of Reinjury and Motivational Influences Contributing to an Athlete’s Return to Sport
Recovery from injury can be a difficult and lengthy process both physically and psychologically. Research that exists on the subject on injury recovery and return to sport mainly focuses on the importance of physical recovery, while discounting the psychological side. Fear of reinjury and motivation are two psychological concepts that contribute to an injured athlete’s decision of whether or not to return to sport. These factors are prominent during the recovery phase, up until and including a return to athletic competition. Self-determination theory provides a way to understand the motivational aspirations an athlete may have during these different time periods. This theory can be broken down into three main needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. The fulfillment of these needs results in better psychological wellbeing and a better chance of reaching previous performance standards. Social support, athletic identity, and self-efficacy fit into the self-determination model and can help motivate an athlete to return to sport. These factors support the notion that the psychological side of recovery plays a pivotal role in determining if an athlete will be ready to return to the game.
Recommended Citation
Moyer, Erica, "The Fear of Reinjury and Motivational Influences Contributing to an Athlete's Return to Sport" (2020). Capstone Showcase. 31.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2020/psychology/31
The Fear of Reinjury and Motivational Influences Contributing to an Athlete's Return to Sport
ERICA MOYER
The Fear of Reinjury and Motivational Influences Contributing to an Athlete’s Return to Sport
Recovery from injury can be a difficult and lengthy process both physically and psychologically. Research that exists on the subject on injury recovery and return to sport mainly focuses on the importance of physical recovery, while discounting the psychological side. Fear of reinjury and motivation are two psychological concepts that contribute to an injured athlete’s decision of whether or not to return to sport. These factors are prominent during the recovery phase, up until and including a return to athletic competition. Self-determination theory provides a way to understand the motivational aspirations an athlete may have during these different time periods. This theory can be broken down into three main needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. The fulfillment of these needs results in better psychological wellbeing and a better chance of reaching previous performance standards. Social support, athletic identity, and self-efficacy fit into the self-determination model and can help motivate an athlete to return to sport. These factors support the notion that the psychological side of recovery plays a pivotal role in determining if an athlete will be ready to return to the game.