Psychological Well-Being and Return-to-Sport Outcomes in Competitive Athletes
This blog has previously discussed the importance of addressing return-to-sport in athletes in a holistic manner. The Self-Determination Theory (SDT) has been posited as one framework which can facilitate an improved return to sport by leveraging our human needs of autonomy, relatedness, and competence. However, the mechanisms through which these psychological concepts augment return-to-sport outcomes remained a mystery.
That said, Podlog, Lochbaum & Stevens (2010) examined how the components of psychological well-being (positive affect, self-esteem, etc…) mediated the relationship between the SDT and perceived return-to-sport outcomes.
Specifically, the study explores how need satisfaction and psychological well-being influence the return-to-sport experience of injured athletes. Dissecting the SDT, the article examines the role of three basic psychological needs autonomy, competence, and relatedness, in shaping athletes’ perceived outcomes after recovery. The study highlights how satisfying these needs can impact well-being during rehab and facilitate return-to-sport success.
The findings indicate that injured athletes who experience higher levels of autonomy, competence, and relatedness report better overall well-being. Moreover, these athletes perceived their return-to-sport outcomes more positively, including readiness to compete, confidence in physical recovery, and reduced fear of re-injury. These results further emphasize the importance of psychological factors in the recovery process alongside physical rehabilitation.
The article bolsters the argument that athletes recovering from injury should prioritize both their psychological and physical needs. Ensuring a sense of control over their rehab, celebrating progress, and fostering supportive relationships are just a few ways that athletes can leverage their well-being to enhance recovery outcomes. For coaches and practitioners, using this framework to design holistic recovery programs that address emotional and mental well-being can be pivotal for helping athletes reintegrate into their sport with greater confidence and success.
TLDR - What does this mean for you? Achieving the most effective return-to-sport requires attention to the psychological side of the equation. By meeting the needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness; you can increase your psychological well-being which in turn improves outcomes like readiness, confidence, and reduces fear of re-injury.
Podlog, L., Lochbaum, M., & Stevens, T. (2010). Need Satisfaction, Well-Being, and Perceived Return-to-Sport Outcomes Among Injured Athletes. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 22(2), 167–182. https://doi.org/10.1080/10413201003664665