A letter to my younger self: using a novel written data collection method to understand the experiences of athletes in Chronic Pain

ABSTRACT

This study seeks to extend the variety of written methods used in sport and exercise research by outlining the use of a novel written technique for data collection: ‘a letter to my younger self’. The use of solicited letter writing has long been endorsed as a valuable technique as part of the therapeutic process, but has yet to be considered as a method of collecting qualitative data. In this study, 21 participants who had experienced chronic pain while playing sport were invited to write a letter back to their younger self. A dialogical narrative analysis was used to analyse the written letters and our results are presented in two forms. First, a ‘collective letter’, written using amalgamated participant quotations. Second, an accompanying commentary which illustrates the characterisations, structure, and narrative themes that were evident in the data collected. Our findings extend existing knowledge of chronic pain in sport, contrasting previous literature that has presented degenerative stories. Further, we also illuminate the danger of the performance narrative in privileging personal agency and the risks this poses to receiving support during chronic pain. We conclude by challenging researchers to consider the importance that should be attributed to hindsight and the value of re-describing experiences with wisdom and knowledge of the significance of the past.

KEYWORDS:

• Hindsight
• re-description
• narrative
• injury

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Melissa C. Day

Melissa Day is a Reader in Qualitative Sport Psychology at the University of Chichester. Her research interests focus on using qualitative research methods in the rehabilitation environment. This includes work with a range of stakeholders including sporting and non-sporting organisations.

Jasmine Hine

Jasmine Hine is a PhD student at Imperial College London. Her research focuses on understanding the health behaviours and psychosocial underpinnings of chronic conditions as well as patient health and well-being.

Ross Wadey

Francesca Cavallerio is a Senior Lecturer in Sport Psychology at Anglia Ruskin University and Course Leader for BSc Sport Coaching and Physical Education. Her research interest focuses on using qualitative research methods to investigate youth elite athletes’ well-being in high performance environments and ways to support them through coaches and parents.

Ross Wadey is a Professor in Sport Psychology at St Mary’s University and the Programme Director for MSc Applied Sport Psychology. Ross’s research involves working with external stakeholders (e.g., NHS, charities, and sporting and non-sporting organisations) to develop programmes of research that meet their needs. Currently, his research is at the forefront of advancing knowledge on three complimentary themes: well-being following amputation(s) and the role of physical activity; prevention of, and rehabilitation from, sporting injuries; and post-traumatic growth following adversity.

Francesca Cavallerio

Francesca Cavallerio is a Senior Lecturer in Sport Psychology at Anglia Ruskin University and Course Leader for BSc Sport Coaching and Physical Education. Her research interest focuses on using qualitative research methods to investigate youth elite athletes’ well-being in high performance environments and ways to support them through coaches and parents.