Coping With Sport Injury: Resource Loss and The Role Of Social Support

Abstract

The utility of Hobfoll's (1988) conservation of resources theory was examined during a series of in-depth interviews conducted with four athletes who underwent knee surgery. A lthough exploratory in nature, this investigation identified a number of resources affected by injury and potential benefits that socially supportive behaviors can provide to athletes during the rehabilitation process. Content analysis of interview data indicated that resources such as physical health, finances, mobility/ independence, self-perception, achievements, and social roles were lost, threatened, or improved as a consequence of injury. In turn, support involving encouragement, reassurance, advice, maintaining involvement, personal assistance, and financial assistance may have covered lost or diminished resources or helped to recruit latent resources, thus reducing the stress experienced by the athletes.