Jeffery Walters's Profile

Throughout the duration of an injury, athletes will typically require more emotional support at the beginning of their injury than when they return to competition. Should a provider of social support respect these three social support principles, the chances that the supportive behaviors will have beneficial effects will increase. For example, if the coach's first reaction to an athlete's injury is to tell the athlete that he or she can be ready for the next game if he or she puts a lot of effort in the rehabilitation (task challenge support), this support will probably not be very effective if the athlete was expecting emotional support. This coach's behavior can increase the frustration experienced by the athlete at the onset of an injury instead of being helpful. Also, inconsistent, excessive or moderate support may cause problems for the receiver. Providers of social support must consider whether the needs of the injured athlete are being met

On the other hand, studies have shown that athletes tended to view their coaches' social support as inappropriate and insufficient during their rehabilitation (Bianco, 2001 ; Robbins & Rosenfeld, 2001 ; Udry et al., 1997). Sixty-seven percent of the skiers interviewed by Udry et al. reported that their coaches had a negative influence on their recovery. Coaches were described as distant, insensitive to the injury, and lacking in belief of the athlete. Macchi and Crossman (1996) interviewed 26 professional ballet dancers and found that some teachers had negative reactions to their injury. One teacher said to an injured dancer that she was "fed up" with her and another dancer was asked, "Why are you injured again?"