Coping in High-Risk Snow-Sports: A Qualitative Exploration of Alpine Racing and Freestyle Athletes’ Experiences

ABSTRACT

This study examines how semi-elite student snow-sport athletes utilize process and trait coping strategies to combat risk-taking, potential loss and trauma, and other stressors integral to their sport participation. Factors influencing coping strategy preference are also explored. Semistructured interviews were used to explore 10 participants’ experiences; the narratives were analyzed using thematic analysis. Five master themes emerged from the analysis: Challenges to Overcome; Taking Action; Changing Perspectives; Staying in Control; and Underlying Influences. The findings highlight how participants develop and utilize preferred coping strategies, although the unpredictable nature of snow-sports can result in situation-specific process coping. Findings are discussed in relation to the differences between racing and freestyle disciplines.

KEYWORDS:

• Loss
• sports psychology
• stress
• trauma

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Laura Kiemle-Gabbay

Laura Kiemle-Gabbay completed her MSc Psychology of Sport (Accredited) at the University of Stirling, UK.

David Lavallee

David Lavallee is a professor at the University of Stirling and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Limerick.