Returning to competition following a serious injury: The role of self-determination

Citation

Podlog L & Eklund R (2010) Returning to competition following a serious injury: The role of self-determination. Journal of Sports Sciences, 28 (8), pp. 819-831. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640411003792729

Abstract
We tested hypotheses grounded in self-determination theory regarding athletes' cognitive appraisals and emotional reactions when returning to competition following a serious injury. Professional male athletes (N = 225) competing in the Australian Football League were presented with return-to-competition scenarios that varied with respect to: (1) degree of self-determination and (2) salience of re-injury concern. Significant MANOVA main effects were observed for the degree of self-determination on both primary appraisals and emotional responses as well as for the salience of re-injury concern on emotional response. Follow-up ANOVA polynomial trend analyses provided support for the hypothesized trends for greater self-determination in the return to sport to result in more positive appraisals and affect. Findings support self-determination theory contentions and research indicating the psychological benefits of increased self-determination.

Keywords
Athletic injury; concern over re-injury; Australian Rules Football; return to competition

Journal
Journal of Sports Sciences: Volume 28, Issue 8