Researching Growth Following Adversity in Sport and Exercise: Methodological Implications and Future Recommendations

Day, M. C. and Wadey, R. (2017) Researching Growth Following Adversity in Sport and Exercise: Methodological Implications and Future Recommendations. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 9 (4). pp. 499-513. ISSN 2159-676X

[thumbnail of This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health on 11 May 2017, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/ 10.1080/2159676X.2017.1328460.] Text (This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health on 11 May 2017, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/ 10.1080/2159676X.2017.1328460.)
Researching Growth Following Adversity in SE.docx - Accepted Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

Download (80kB)

Abstract

A novel concept that is gaining momentum in the field of sport and exercise psychology is growth following adversity. Specifically, researchers are interested in how participation in sport and exercise may act as a catalyst for self-development following a traumatic or stressful event. This interest and the resultant qualitative studies have led to a significant body of research, which has been subjected to systematic review and synthesis. Yet, while these reviews have consolidated our understanding of the research outcomes, minimal attention has been paid to the methodological processes. This aim of this study, therefore, is original in that it aims to critically review qualitative research conducted on growth in the context of sport and exercise from a methodological perspective, and provide recommendations for researchers who intend to investigate this phenomenon. Aligned with the aims of this study, a narrative review was conducted due to its fluid and flexible nature. Four methodological considerations are critically reviewed, each posing questions to the reader: Is it Necessary to Establish Growth? The Difficulties with Expecting Growth, The Inseparability of Adversity and Growth, and How to Story Adversity and Growth. It is recommended that future researchers use prolonged engagement and diverse qualitative methodologies, and consider novel questions such as the embodied experiences of growth and the potential for vicarious growth. Ultimately, we hope this narrative review leads future researchers to be more reflective in their methodological choices, thus enhancing the integrity and quality of qualitative research examining growth following adversity.

Item Type: Articles
Uncontrolled Keywords: Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation, Health(social science), Social Psychology
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV557 Sports
Divisions: Research Centres > CCASES
Academic Areas > Institute of Sport > Area > Sport and Exercise Psychology and Research Methods
Related URLs:
Depositing User: Melissa Day
Date Deposited: 14 Jun 2017 10:04
Last Modified: 18 Oct 2022 11:21
URI: https://eprints.chi.ac.uk/id/eprint/2766

Actions (login required)

View Item
View Item

Our address

I’m looking for