Exploring the retirement from sport decision-making process: a focus group study

Citation

Park S, Tod D & Lavallee D (2011) Exploring the retirement from sport decision-making process: a focus group study. In: Serpa S, Teixeira N, Almeida M & Rosado A (eds.) Sport and Exercise Psychology: Human Performance, Well-Being and Health - Proceedings of the 13th FEPSAC European Congress of Sport Psychology. 13th European Congress of Sport Psychology, Madeira, Portugal, 12.07.2011-17.07.2011. Madeira, Portugal: Institute of Sport of the Autonomous Region of Madeira, IP-RAM, p. 214. http://www.fepsac2011madeira.com/

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the retirement from sport decision-making process. The transtheoretical model of behaviour change, which has helped better understand the decision-making process in other areas, was used as a guiding framework in this study. A total of 12 participants took part in one of three focus groups (four current players; five retired players; three coaches) which focused on athletic identity, coping strategies and the coach-athlete relationship. All participants (seven males & five females; mean age 31.25 3.49 years) were either current or former Korean elite level tennis players. Data were thematically content analysed, and the transtheoretical model was used to interpret the findings. Results showed three themes: (a) readiness for sport career end (e.g., perceived gains and losses associated with decision to retire), (b) psychological and emotional responses during the decision-making process (e.g., self-re-evaluation), and (c) coping strategies (e.g., social support). Results indicated that athletes' sport career end decision-making is a dynamic process, which is accompanied by various emotional responses requiring different coping strategies. In addition the findings indicated that the transtheoretical model was helpful in explaining athletes' retirement from sport decision-making. For example, results revealed the influence of athletes' readiness for facing post-sport life on their actual retirement decision.