E-Thesis 23 views
Understanding and Enhancing Whole Person Development in the Sport School Environment / REUBEN POOLE
Swansea University Author: REUBEN POOLE
DOI (Published version): 10.23889/SUThesis.71063
Abstract
The present thesis initially aimed to explore the application of a whole person approach within a sports-friendly school environment. However, as the research progressed,it became evident that acknowledging athletes as whole persons was insufficient; instead, a structured and proactive approach to t...
| Published: |
Swansea
2025
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| Institution: | Swansea University |
| Degree level: | Doctoral |
| Degree name: | Ph.D |
| Supervisor: | Knight, C.; Hill, D. M.; Lovett, V. E.; Harwood, C. G.; and Henriksen, K. |
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa71063 |
| Abstract: |
The present thesis initially aimed to explore the application of a whole person approach within a sports-friendly school environment. However, as the research progressed,it became evident that acknowledging athletes as whole persons was insufficient; instead, a structured and proactive approach to their development was needed—conceptualised aswhole person development. This led to a shift in focus toward intentional efforts to support student-athletes across all areas of life. Accordingly, the thesis had two primary aims: (1) to explore how a sports-friendly school environment supports whole person development and its impact on transitions beyond school, and (2) to examine how whole person development can be effectively embedded within such settings through organisational change interventions.Study 1 used qualitative case study methods to explore how a whole person approach was understood and supported within a British sports-friendly school. Findings revealed that whole person development was viewed as a future-oriented process shaped by exposure to new opportunities and people, quality social interactions, and autonomy and responsibility.Study 2 examined student-athletes’ transitions beyond the school, highlighting that perceived continuity across sport and education environments facilitated adjustment, particularly where prior developmental experiences had fostered readiness and adaptability. Study 3 assessed the feasibility of implementing an organisational change intervention focused on whole person development within a girls’ field hockey environment. The intervention was partiallyfeasible, but limited by structural constraints, leadership engagement, and competing performance demands. Study 4 built on these insights, implementing a revised intervention within a swimming environment. Here, greater staff alignment, athlete buy-in, and embedded delivery enabled more consistent integration of whole person development into daily practice.Collectively, the thesis provides empirical insight into how whole person development is understood, experienced, and operationalised within sport schools, offering practical and conceptual contributions to research and applied practice in youth sport environments. |
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| Keywords: |
Adolescents, dual career, personal development, student-athlete, holistic ecological approach |
| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |