Researching growth following adversity in sport and exercise: methodological implications and future recommendations

Abstract

A novel concept that is gaining momentum in the field of sport and exercise psychology is growth following adversity. Specifically, researchers are interested in how participation in sport and exercise may act as a catalyst for self-development following a traumatic or stressful event. This interest and the resultant qualitative studies have led to a significant body of research, which has been subjected to systematic review and synthesis. Yet, while these reviews have consolidated our understanding of the research outcomes, minimal attention has been paid to the methodological processes. The aim of this study, therefore, is original, in that it aims to critically review qualitative research conducted on growth in the context of sport and exercise from a methodological perspective, and provide recommendations for researchers who intend to investigate this phenomenon. Aligned with the aims of this study, a narrative review was conducted due to its fluid and flexible nature. Four methodological considerations are critically reviewed, each posing questions to the reader: Is it Necessary to Establish Growth? The Difficulties with Expecting Growth, The Inseparability of Adversity and Growth, and How to Story Adversity and Growth. It is recommended that future researchers use prolonged engagement and diverse qualitative methodologies, and consider novel questions such as the embodied experiences of growth and the potential for vicarious growth. Ultimately, we hope this narrative review leads future researchers to be more reflective in their methodological choices, thus enhancing the integrity and quality of qualitative research examining growth following adversity.

Keywords:

• Growth
• adversity
• positive psychology
• stress-related growth
• trauma