Football Fitness as a meaningful driver of occupational identity in female breast cancer survivors

• Published in: The British journal of occupational therapy Vol. 86; no. 7; pp. 482 - 492
• Main Authors: Thomsen, Sidsel Damsgaard, Garboe, Freja Alexandra Schjødt, Enemark Larsen, Anette, Uth, Jacob, Krustrup, Peter, Madsen, Esben Elholm
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01-07-2023; Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: Acknowledgment; Adaptation; Breast cancer; Competence; Females; Focus groups; Football; Interviews; Intrinsic motivation; Physical activity; Physical fitness; Professional identity; Rehabilitation; Self determination; Survivor; Termination; Women; breast cancer; football; Model of Human Occupation; Self-Determination Theory
• ISSN: 0308-0226; 1477-6006
• DOI: 10.1177/03080226231161273

Introduction:
While exercise after breast cancer treatment is important, some breast cancer survivors (BCS) find it difficult to maintain motivation for physical activity (PA).
Objectives:
To investigate Danish female BCS’ motivation to play Football Fitness (FF) after the termination of a research project (Football Fitness After Breast Cancer), and whether the participation influenced occupational identity and adaptation.
Methods:
Two qualitative focus group interviews with seven female BCS (53 ± 5 years; Mage ± SD) were performed. The interviews were analyzed to identify the forms of motivation experienced according to Self-Determination Theory using thematic analysis.
Results:
Due to increasing connections and recognition of one another, FF gradually became meaningful and a part of the women’s occupational identity. They experienced increasing cohesion and competence through common experiences, thus increasingly identifying as a unit. The women reported that they gradually adopted healthier lifestyles by participating in FF, which positively impacted other diagnoses for some.
Conclusion:
Recognition of one another impacted intrinsic motivation. Similarly, as the women felt more competent playing FF, it became a part of their occupational identity leading to an effective adaptation. Access to FF as an integral part of rehabilitation for female BCS may be a way to support long-term PA and to adapt a new occupational identity.