Journal article 1259 views 646 downloads
Supporting adolescent athletes' dual careers: The role of an athlete's social support network
,
Chris G. Harwood,
Paul A. Sellars
Psychology of Sport and Exercise, Volume: 38, Pages: 137 - 147
Swansea University Author:
Camilla Knight
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DOI (Published version): 10.1016/j.psychsport.2018.06.007
Abstract
ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to, (a) understand the role of the social support network in facilitating a dual career in sport and education, and; (b) gain insights into the factors that may optimize the provision of such support.DesignA two-stage qualitative study.MethodIn stage one,...
| Published in: | Psychology of Sport and Exercise |
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| ISSN: | 1469-0292 |
| Published: |
2018
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| Online Access: |
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| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa40744 |
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| Abstract: |
ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to, (a) understand the role of the social support network in facilitating a dual career in sport and education, and; (b) gain insights into the factors that may optimize the provision of such support.DesignA two-stage qualitative study.MethodIn stage one, four different sport and education settings in the UK were examined: A tennis academy, a football academy, a national field hockey squad, and a high-performance swimming squad. Interviews were conducted with two athletes and associated significant others from each setting. In stage two, nine current or former international athletes from a variety of sports and countries recalled their experiences of managing a dual career. Analysis was conducted following the procedures outlined by Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña (2014).ResultsOverall, athletes in stage one and two perceived that to maintain their dual careers, they were heavily dependent upon the support of significant others. The role of the support network was to recognize the demands of a dual career, anticipate problems, value education, minimize barriers, and create autonomy-supportive environments. Key factors to optimize such support were focusing on the whole person, providing integrated support, and fostering a culture that promotes continuing education.ConclusionsResults indicate that athletes require particular types of support within their home, at school, and in their sport context to be able to manage their dual career. However, a range of individual and group-level factors may influence the extent to which such support is available to athletes. |
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| Keywords: |
Dual career; Sport; Education; Adolescence; Social support |
| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |
| Start Page: |
137 |
| End Page: |
147 |