A model for formulating the relationship between religion and sport performance: a grounded theory approach

ABSTRACT

The aim of this research was to formulate a model for understanding the relationship between religion and sport performance using a grounded theory approach. Using a purposive sampling method, 21 elite athletes (11 females, 10 males), aged 19–26 years (mean age = 23.14; SD = 2.03) were recruited to participate. Participants were from different sporting backgrounds such as archery (n = 2), athletics (n = 5), badminton (n = 7), diving (n = 2), soccer (n = 1), table tennis (n = 1), rugby (n = 1), softball (n = 1), and squash (n = 1). Participants identified their religion as Islam (n = 13), Buddhist (n = 5), Christian (n = 2), and Hindu (n = 1). The constant comparative method of data analysis with open, axial, and selective coding was used to generate the model. From the analysis, a Religion and Sport Performance (RSP) model identified three fundamental factors (religious practices, degrees of religious beliefs, and religious culture) and six contributing factors (coping strategy, religious support, psychological effects, performance outcomes, religious dietary practices, and mental health and healing). The fundamental and contributing factors in this research are significant influences on athletes’ lives and their sporting performances. The RSP model provides a foundational framework applicable to the design of intervention programmes to enhance sport performance and to help coaches or sport psychologists understand the critical role of religion in athletes’ lives.

KEYWORDS:

• Athlete
• religion
• sport performance

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the all elite athletes for their participation, feedback, cooperation in this study. We are also thankful to Prof. Seang-Leol Yoo who provided expertise that greatly assisted the research.

Disclosure statement

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

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the University of Malaya under Bantuan Kecil Penyelidikan [BK085-2017].