Thriving

Question 1

Define Thriving

Answer 1

Thriving can be described on two levels:
> Broadly (e.g., general athlete thriving)
“the joint experience of development and success”
> Specific (e.g., match/race thriving)
“the experience of a high‐level of well‐being and a perceived
high‐level of performance

Question 2

How is thriving different to resilience and growth?

Answer 2

Thriving does not depend on an adverse event –
can occur following both life adversity and life
opportunity

Question 3

What are the characteristics of thriving in sport?

Answer 3

> Sustained High‐Level Performance
> Optimistic 
> Focussed and In Control
> Active Awareness of Areas for Improvement
> Possess High Quality Motivation
> Displaying Upward Progression
> Experiencing Holistic
Development
> Has a Sense of Belonging

Question 4

What are the perceived outcomes of thriving in sport performers?

Answer 4

> Personal Development Benefits
> Performance Benefits
> Increased Self-Confidence
> Platform for Momentum
> Decreases Mood/ Motivation

Question 5

How can thriving be facilitated?

Answer 5

Thriving may be facilitated through personal and
contextual enablers, and through process
variables

Question 6

Discuss potential strategies to increase athlete thriving

Answer 6

• Look to enhance both personal and
contextual enablers
• Utilise and build upon athletes’
experiences of thriving
• Exposure to developmental opportunities
• Create optimal challenge