Abstract
The Coronavirus experience (CE) presents a highly challenging period for sport performers (e.g., athletes, coaches, referees), with potential effects on their lives and career trajectories. In this article, we initially conceptualize the CE using the scheme of change for sport psychology practice (Samuel and Tenenbaum, 2011a). Within this framework, the CE is understood as a longitudinal, multifaceted, unpredicted, non-controlled change-event, with four distinct stages: (a) a pre-Coronavirus stage with unique career contextual conditions (i.e., stable engagement or a transitional period), (b) Coronavirus stage-A accompanied by instability and confusion, emotional response, and cognitive appraisal, (c) Coronavirus stage-B characterized by active coping or regression, and (d) Coronavirus stage-C; instability endures or decreases, depending on career trajectory. The CE presents sport performers with modifications in various dimensions, including physical and physiological, motor skills, psycho-social and self-identity, relationships, performance and achievement, motivation and aspirations, organizational-occupational, and micro– and macro–cultural issues. Sport performers can exhibit several emotional responses (i.e., positive, negative, neutral), and consequential coping endeavors. The development of the change process is underlined by key decisions, manifested in sport performers’ attempts to implement responsive change in these dimensions (e.g., adapt their diets, sleep routines, and exercise regimen). The second part of the article discusses applied practice considerations, presenting various techniques and methodologies which practitioners can apply while consulting from a change-based perspective. Ethical issues pertaining to the formation of effective therapeutic relationships during this period are also assessed. The conclusions offer future avenues for researchers and practitioners when attempting to evaluate and cope with this global phenomenon.
Highlights
The year 2020 was foreseen as a peak year for many sport performers, during which the realization of dreams and abilities would be achieved
The findings suggested that compared with the preceding period, the COVID-19 crisis was associated with athletes’ higher levels of perceived stress and dysfunctional psychobiosocial states, and lower levels of functional psychobiosocial states
The sport performer typically experiences four stages of the change process: (a) a pre-Coronavirus stage with unique career contextual conditions, (b) Coronavirus stage-A accompanied by instability and confusion, emotional response, and cognitive appraisal, (c) Coronavirus stage-B characterized by active coping or regression, and (d) Coronavirus stage-C; instability endures or decreases, depending on career trajectory
Summary
The year 2020 was foreseen as a peak year for many sport performers (i.e., athletes, coaches, referees), during which the realization of dreams and abilities would be achieved. It was suggested that: “The postponement of the Olympic and Paralympic games represents a significant career disruption It potentially involves a loss of identity, motivation and meaning” The Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) suggested that during this period athletes might experience an emotional rollercoaster due to “the constant influx of information, changes to daily routines, uncertainty with personal health and the health of others coupled with rapidly changing reports.” This organization published practical recommendations for athletes and practitioners to maintain mental health and effective support during this period (Byrd et al, 2020).
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