Identity gripping or identity flight? Two distinct experiences correlated with self-reported depression in retired professional ice hockey players

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study presents qualitative data on the retirement experiences of retired professional ice hockey players and the relationship of these experiences to self-reported depressive symptoms and measures of athletic identity. Data were obtained from an online survey sent to retired professional hockey players within the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) database. A total of 213 retired players completed the qualitative section of the survey and were included in the study. Former players expressed an array of responses to questions about the best and most difficult parts of their athletic retirement experiences, and what they believe would help future generations of retiring hockey players. Within these responses, there were two distinct patterns of identity-based challenges among depressed former players. One subset of depressed former players, captured by our proposed term athletic identity flight, scored lower in athletic identity, and emphasized positive aspects of retirement related to “building a new identity.” A second subset of depressed former players, who we described with the term athletic identity gripping, noted an identity crisis upon retiring and retained a strong athletic identity post-career. Non-depressed former players in our sample were more likely to emphasize the importance of career support to help future retiring hockey players, whereas depressed former players emphasized the importance of mental health support. Our findings may inform future preventative interventions to assist retiring hockey players in their end-of-athletic-career transition and suggest the value of tailoring interventions based on the strength of athletic identity and the presence of depressive symptoms.Lay summary: Retired professional ice hockey players with self-reported depression symptoms experienced two distinct identity challenges when transitioning out of sport. Some appeared to actively distance themselves from their former athletic identity (athletic identity flight). Others experienced an identity crisis and appeared to maintain their athletic identity over time (athletic identity gripping).Implications for practice: Based on both quantitative and qualitative data analysis, results suggest that athletic identity is a factor to consider when tailoring interventions for professional hockey players transitioning to athletic retirement. Interventions may vary based on relationship with athletic identity during the transition; some will experience an “identity crisis” and attempt to hold onto their athletic identity, which may be a risk factor for long-term depressive symptoms. Others may actively distance themselves from their athletic identity during the transition, possibly due to emotional pain associated with the athlete role.Depending on the presence of depressive symptoms, retiring players may have different intervention needs to assist with athletic retirement. Non-depressed players may benefit from practical support, such as planning their next career. Depressed players may benefit more from mental health outreach. Aligned with duty of care principles, results indicate a need for screening retiring athletes to identify those at risk for depression.