Psychology of Injury
The Role of the Athletic Trainer
Today’s objectives…
 Identify preceding conditions which may predispose to
injury
 Describe how an athlete may respond psychologically to
injuries
 Identify physiological responses to stress
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Introduction
 Devastating nature of injuries
 Financial concerns
 Identity
 Self-esteem
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Injury Antecedents
 Physical
 Environmental
 Psychological
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Psychological Factors
 Personality traits
 Inappropriate attitudes
 Stress levels
 Risk takers
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Psychological Response
 Kubler-Ross model
1. Five theoretical stages individuals progress through
when confronted with grief
2. Easily adapted to an individual who sustained an
injury
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Kubler-Ross Model
 Denial & isolation
- Denies seriousness of injury
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Kubler-Ross Model
 Anger
- Aware of seriousness of injury
- Why me? Why now?
- Angry at who?
- May become demanding & difficult
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Kubler-Ross Model
 Bargaining
- Usually when anger subsides
- May be reflected in prayer
- May try to negotiate
- Promises...
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Kubler-Ross Model
 Depression
- Occurs if activity is limited or not
allowed
- Moody, withdrawn
- No point in exercising
- Motivation = BIG challenge
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Kubler-Ross Model
 Acceptance
- resigned to fact that
hard work is necessary to
return to safe participation
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Other thoughts...
 Each individual reacts differently
 Progress at different rates
 Different order of stages
 May skip stages
 May plateau and not progress
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Signs of Poor Adaptation
 Malingering on little issues
 Guilt
may try to rush things
 Withdrawn from significant others
 Rapid mood swings
 Repeatedly coming back too soon & re-injury
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Goals to Facilitate Recovery
 Set realistic expectations
 Foster social support
 Develop self-confidence (athlete & txt)
 Education process
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Coming up…
 Education & credential requirements
 Athletic trainer
 Physician Assistant
 Physical Therapist
 Paramedic
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