ERIC Number: EJ1448476
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2471-1616
EISSN: EISSN-2471-1624
Available Date: N/A
Concussion and Return to Play Experiences of Female Youth Soccer Players: A Qualitative Inquiry
Emily Cort; T. N. Kirk
International Journal of Kinesiology in Higher Education, v8 n4 p355-368 2024
Concussions are a common occurrence in adolescent sports. While scholarly literature has documented concussion symptoms and their implications, intrinsic and extrinsic factors that may contribute to an athlete's decision to return to play (RTP) following concussion have received less attention. The purpose of this study was to investigate the lived experiences of former youth female soccer players' and their RTP decisions after sustaining a concussion. Eight former female youth soccer players who had sustained at least one concussion during youth soccer completed semi-structured interviews regarding their attitudes, intentions, social influences, and personal beliefs regarding concussion. Data analysis yielded three interrelated themes: "males are taken more seriously when they are injured:" gender and concussion attitudes; "I didn't want to seem like a baby": extrinsic factors that influence RTP; and "the biggest pressure was probably from myself more than anyone else": intrinsic factors that influence RTP. Findings illustrate the impact that attitude, team norms, and self-identity have when female youth athletes consider decisions regarding concussion reporting and RTP. Extended TPB is a useful framework to guide stakeholders and female youth soccer players themselves toward a more holistic approach to concussion education.
Descriptors: Head Injuries, Brain, Females, Team Sports, Athletes, Attitudes, Intention, Social Influences, Beliefs, Gender Differences, Self Concept, Adolescents, High School Students, Health Behavior
Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: High Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A