AN INTERPRETATIVE PHENOMENOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF FEMALE STUDENT-ATHLETES’ EXPERIENCES OF SUPPORT DURING ATHLETIC TRANSITIONS
Date
2021-01-19
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
Type
Thesis
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
Limited research has explored student-athletes' experiences who ended university athletic participation with remaining eligibility, and limited research has explored student-athletes experiences of support while ending university athletic competition. It appears that no research has explored these experiences in union, nor from a female’s perspective. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to explore seven female student-athletes experiences receiving formal (e.g., counselling, sports psychologist) and informal (e.g., social, family, coaching) support during their athletic transitions that occurred with remaining U Sport eligibility. Data was generated through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenon Analysis (Smith et al., 2009). Findings were represented thematically and included one overarching theme: An Ongoing Transition. Three subordinate themes were identified: Navigating a Decision, Growing the Self, Supporting the Journey, along with six subthemes. The findings captured the participants’ shared depiction of their experiences as an ongoing transition with salient decision-making and self-growth periods. Participants' reflections on how informal and formal support were experienced across the ongoing transition were further captured. Implications for practitioners wishing to support female student-athletes during athletic transitions are discussed. Avenues for future research are provided.
Description
Keywords
Athletic transition, decision-making, student-athlete, female-athlete
Citation
Degree
Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Department
Educational Psychology and Special Education
Program
School and Counselling Psychology