A Parental Perspective on Adolescent Injury Rehabilitation and Return to Sport Experiences

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine parent perspectives of their adolescents’ injury rehabilitation and return to competition experiences. Ten Australian parents (seven females, three males) were interviewed over an 11-month period. Six key themes emerged from parent interviews: injury rehabilitation and return to competition stressors, coping strategies for psychological and physical pain, parental concerns regarding injury rehabilitation and return to sport, the provision of social support, perceptions of a successful return to sport, and benefits of the injury experience. Results are discussed in relation to the psychology of injury literature and self-determination theory findings.

Acknowledgments

Funding for this research was provided by a Charles Sturt University Small Grant Award.