Self-Presentation Concerns Among Injured Adolescent Athletes: A Qualitative Investigation

Sport psychology research has shown that athletes might experience self-presentation concerns. However, fairly limited work has examined these specific concerns among athletes experiencing an injury, particularly among adolescent populations. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the nature, precursors, and implications of injured adolescent athletes’ self-presentation concerns. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with female ( n = 12) and male ( n = 2) competitive adolescent athletes ( M age = 15.1 years) who experienced a variety of serious injuries (e.g., ACL rupture, labrum tear) as a result of competing in various sports. Braun and Clark’s thematic analysis (2006) was used to develop themes pertaining to the nature, precursors, and implications of injury. Findings highlight a range of specific types of self-presentation concerns (e.g., concerns over “faking” an injury, lacking capability, disappointing others), the impact of the closeness of relationships with significant others, key implications (e.g., future sport apprehensions, negative emotions, motivational enhancements), and coping strategies. Results identify factors for targeted interventions aimed at managing self-presentation concerns among injured adolescents.