Military Sports Recovery Athletes’ Perspectives on Role of the Coach in Athletes’ Well-Being: The Importance of Supporting Basic Psychological Needs

Citation

Jordan N, Macdonald S & Allen J (2024) Military Sports Recovery Athletes’ Perspectives on Role of the Coach in Athletes’ Well-Being: The Importance of Supporting Basic Psychological Needs. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly. https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.2023-0117

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the experiences of athletes in a competitive military sports recovery program with a specific focus on the extent to which coaches supported, or frustrated, athletes’ basic psychological needs. Eight military veteran athletes competing in parasport took part in semi-structured interviews. The accounts of their experiences of working with coaches in this context and their influence on their psychological needs and well-being were thematically analyzed. Results demonstrated that coaches’ behaviors that support basic psychological needs can have positive effects on athletes’ well-being and support their wider rehabilitation. Furthermore, frustration of these needs through controlling behaviors contributed to psychological ill-being. Findings suggest practical implications to help inform coaching practice to support optimal recovery and an environment that promotes well-being.

Keywords
self-determination theory; coach–athlete relationship; veterans; mental health; rehabilitation

Notes
Output Status: Forthcoming/Available Online

Journal
Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly

• Fulltext APAQ Accepted 30Aug24