‘It was Hard, But it was Good’: a qualitative exploration of stress-related growth in Division I intercollegiate athletes

Abstract

Recent research suggests that many individuals not only survive, but thrive as a result of life stress and trauma. Both scientific and anecdotal evidence support the notion of psychosocial growth and development following stress in athletes. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of stress-related growth (SRG) in Division I intercollegiate athletes. Criterion sampling was used to select athletes, who indicated a moderate to large degree of growth on a self-report measure for in-depth interviews. Four dimensions emerged from interviews with 11 athletes: (a) personal and sociocultural context, (b) disruption, (c) social support and (d) positive psychosocial outcomes. Based on these four dimensions, a conceptual model of SRG was developed. Athletes’ struggles and attempts to work through their most difficult sport stressor led them to perceive personal growth in the form of a new life philosophy, self-changes and interpersonal changes. Social support was critical in facilitating athletes’ attempts to work through and make meaning from their stressor. The entire SRG process was framed by athletes’ life context, including personal characteristics and sociocultural conditions. Sport psychology practitioners should be aware of the possibility for SRG following sport stressors, promote coping strategies aimed at engaging the athlete with theirs stressor and assist the athletes in developing a strong social support network. Researchers who are interested in conducting future studies on SRG in sport should consider employing prospective quantitative and qualitative designs, and exploring the interaction of multiple simultaneous life events on growth rather than a single stressor.