Injured athletes' perceptions about social support.
BACKGROUND
According to the buffering hypothesis, social support moderates the harmful effects of stress and, in turn, indirectly affects injured athletes' health and well-being. Previous research suggests that perceptions of social support influence athletes' psychological reactions, as well as their rehabilitation adherence, but additional research in this area is warranted.


OBJECTIVE
To examine injured athletes' perceptions regarding satisfaction, availability, and contribution for each of the 8 types of social support.


METHODS
Descriptive.


METHODS
Mid-Atlantic Division II and III institutions.


METHODS
49 injured athletes.


METHODS
Social support was assessed using a modified version of the Social Support Survey.


RESULTS
Injured athletes were significantly more satisfied with social support provided by athletic trainers (ATCs) than that provided by coaches and teammates. In addition, injured athletes reported that social support provided by ATCs contributed significantly more to their overall well-being. Athletes reported several significant differences regarding satisfaction and contribution to well-being among the 8 different types of social support.


CONCLUSIONS
Injury, an unavoidable part of sport, is often accompanied by negative psychological reactions. This reaction may have a negative influence on an athlete's experience of injury and rehabilitation. Findings suggest that perceptions of social support provided by ATCs have the greatest influence on injured athletes' rehabilitation and well-being.
College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.
Damien
D
Clement
Vanessa R
VR
Shannon
D000328:Adult; D056352:Athletes / Q000523:psychology*; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010465:Perception; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012944:Social Support; D013177:Sports / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult