Psychosocial 2 Flashcards
in class we discussed dropping out of a physical activity, what are some of the reasons?
- were a more generalized athlete at the beginning, specializing
- time and money
- coaches
- injury
_ of children withdraw from organized sport programs between the ages of _
~80%
- 12-17 YEARS OLD
it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between dropping out vs _
switching
ie. keep active, but switch activities
also must distinguish between
recreational activities (play) and high-level participation (organized sport)
- also whether dropping out was by choice (injuries, costs, etc. might face some withdraw)
typically cited negative experiences that lead to dropping out:
- dislike coach
- lack of playing time
- too much pressure
- too much time required
- over emphasis on winning
- no fun
- lack of progress/success
- burnout
Claire dabbled in many sports, list some she tried and what she stuck with
stuck with:
-swimming
- skating
- running
- biking
tried but didn’t continue:
- soccer
- baseball
- flag football
- basketball
- gymnastics
- dance
- skateboarding
- tennis
- horseback riding
- fishing
- hurdles
- volleyball
- badminton
most withdraw for what 3 reasons?
to pursue other interests, to try different sport activities, or to participate at lower intensity levels
- thus, most of attrition in youth sports reflects shifting interests and involvement levels rather than negative experiences
describe burnout
severe negative experiences
- typically associated with voluntary withdrawal from high level competition
describe burnout from high-level
- interesting because everything led up to this
- there is usually little obvious reason to end involvement
(top of their game, good income/or potential income, world travel, etc.)
burnout from high-level is usually atrributed to individual functional factors:
- high stress
- emotional distress
- too much pressure
what is the remedy to burnout from high-level?
significant others take greater control of the young athlete’s life in areas not directly related to the sport
- travel, scheduling, tutors, etc.
*may actually be the root of the problem
because the athlete is only responsible for the sport, they can feel constrained by it (becomes their entire identity)
- unidimensional concept of self
- disempowerment
- loss of autonomy
- they have few life experences outside of their sport
(controlled schedule and feeling like sport is entire identity) creates a negative spiral
control = stress = more control = more stress
- this at a time (adolescence) when the person is most concerned with developing their own identity
rather than a question of personal failure, burnout from high level is a _ problem
social
- the decision to drop out or switch is never independent
- should be considered as part of a larger social organization
U of T researchers found that 41.4% of Canadian National team athletes – those training for Tokyo 2020 met criteria for
depression, anxiety and/or eating disorder
- Researchers have found a significant positive correlation between stress and those 3 mental disorders measured
simone biles is the latest high profile athlete to withdraw from a major tournament citing _ reasons
mental health
- biles decision was seen as brave and empowering for other athletes who might be hesistant to put their mental health first
- but she also faced attacks from those suggesting she was using mental health as an excuse for poor performance
- One of the researchers states: “We hear a lot about post-Olympic depression,
but I have not seen any research on mental health prior to the Olympics. I think
the assumption is that people are happy they made the team.” _ were all found to have an
impact on athlete’s mental health
- Stress, social support, coping skills, and self-esteem
mental health impacts a large portion of athletes but _
it is still not
getting the attention it deserves and athletes are made to feel bad
about it
- Having world renowned athletes like Simone Biles speak openly about
their mental health can help change this stigma that many athletes face
researchers have focused quite a bit on reasons why children and teens continue in sports
in general, the reasons include a desire to:
- be competent by improving skills, or attaining goals
- make new friends
- be part of a team
- take on competition and be successful
- have fun
- increase fitness
enjoyment in pre and young adolescents is furthered by
- perception of high ability
- mastery
- low parental pressure
- greater parent and coach satisfaction
summary:
- physical activity has been proven beneficial at all ages
- participation in physical activity reflexts motivation to participate
- motivated people at all ages tend to have higher levels of self-esteem
- self-esteem can be improved through efforts of peers, teachers, coaches and significant others
