Athletes and Their Families: Adapting to the Stresses of Professional Sports

Abstract

In brief: Professional athletes and their families face many unique stresses associated with geographic relocation, dramatic increase in income, and balancing the demands of the sport with family life. Often the athlete's spouse feels especially isolated without the advantage of team affiliation. The children may feel that the athlete is only a “part-time” parent. When the pressures become too great, the athlete and the family may benefit from a treatment program. This article presents a fictitious case, discusses the problems faced by professional athletes and their families, and suggests ways in which the athlete's physician can help. Indeed, the physician has the opportunity at the initial history-taking and physical examination to make the athlete feel that the physician's office is a safe place to discuss these problems and start resolving them.