Qualitative Analysis of Modern Dancers’ Post-Injury Psychological Experiences

Abstract

Athletic injuries often trigger psychological distress, including frustration, depression, and anger (e.g., Tracey, 2003). Like sport athletes, dancers face injury risks due to the physicality of dancing (e.g., Jacobs et al., 2017; Skvarla & Clement, 2019). There is limited research on psychological responses to dance-related injuries; particularly absent in the extant literature are the experiences of injured modern dancers (Thomas & Tarr, 2009). Studies are needed on this population, given differences in training, choreography, and culture in modern dance compared to other dance forms (Clabaugh & Morling, 2004). The purpose of the present study was to qualitatively explore post-injury psychological experiences of adult modern dancers. Participants included eight modern dancers (seven women, one man; Mage = 30.5 years; 75% White; M = 23.6 years of modern dance training) who suffered a recent serious injury (≥ 6 weeks recovery). Semi-structured, individual interviews were coded line-by-line using thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006). Analysis resulted in six themes: Emotional Upheaval and Reactivity, Stress-Inducing External Factors, Challenges Presented by Physical Pain, Mental Disruptions and Eventual Cognitive Shifts, Coping through Redirection of Energy, and Buffering Effects of Positive Social Support. The dancers’ reported interpersonal trust/support, loss of independence, and growth were similar to previously studied sport athletes’ reports (e.g., Kampman et al., 2015). A novel theme in the current study was the influence of COVID-19 on reactions to injury. Overall, findings indicate that injuries are complex events that not only involve a mechanical disturbance to the physical body but also initiate profound psychological experiences.