The Postinjury Psychological Sequelae of High-Level Jamaican Athletes: Exploration of a Posttraumatic Stress Disorder-Self-Efficacy Conceptualization

• Published in: Journal of sport rehabilitation Vol. 28; no. 2; p. 144
• Main Authors: Bateman, André, Morgan, Kai A D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-02-2019
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Athletes - psychology; Athletic Injuries - complications; Athletic Injuries - psychology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Jamaica; Male; Self Efficacy; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic - etiology; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult; Jamaica; trauma; high-level athletes; injury
• ISSN: 1543-3072
• DOI: 10.1123/jsr.2017-0140

Athletes at the highest levels appear to be most affected by sport-related injuries and suffer both physiologically and psychologically. Established models of psychological responses to injury, however, do not offer a comprehensive explanation based on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), although some studies suggest that injuries may be interpreted as traumatic. Studies also suggest that perceived self-efficacy may be a mediator of PTSD development.
This study examines the psychological sequelae experienced by high-level athletes as a result of sport-related injuries based on a PTSD-self-efficacy framework.
A cross-sectional survey design was used.
Forty-six athletes (30 males and 16 females) from 4 different sports were conveniently sampled and completed a questionnaire battery assessing injury characteristics, trauma sequelae, and self-efficacy.
Present injury status, PTSD symptomatology, and general self-efficacy.
Injury was found to be associated with elevated levels of PTSD symptomatology. The presence of injury was a significant predictor of general PTSD and, specifically, hyperarousal symptoms; however, general self-efficacy was not found to predict trauma-related symptoms. There were indications, however, that self-efficacy beliefs may affect injury-related factors.
This research highlights the presence of PTSD-related psychological dysfunction associated with sport injury, and further uncovers the possible impacts of self-efficacy beliefs in managing the stress of injury. These findings highlight the need for psychological support as injured athletes undergo rehabilitation.