Insights of Literature Review

For this blog post I will share one of my contributions to the literature review for student athletes and their career development process. The findings from this research coincide with Bloch’s (2005) study on transitions.

Stambulova, Alfermann, Statler, and Cote (2009) stressed the importance of recognizing transitions of athletes in their career development process. Athletic career is a sport chosen by a person who aims to peak in their athletic performance. Athletes typically go through their career in stages: initiation, development, mastery, investment, final, and discontinuation (Stamblova et al., 2009, pg. 397). This pattern can highlight transitions in the athletes’ career. Typically transitions are associated with a specific set of demands and the athletes must successfully cope in order to continue on to the next stage.

In order to assist athletes, three perspectives are set in place in terms of transitioning: preventative, crisis coping, and negative consequences coping. Preventative interventions allow athletes to gain insight on the future transition demands in order to develop proper coping techniques. Crisis coping strategies help athletes investigate the crisis and discover the most effective coping technique for them. Successfully coping through a transition allows the athlete to live a successful and prosperous life. By failing to cope with a transition, this usually leads to negative consequences. A negative consequence coping includes clinical interventions due to eating disorders, neuroses, etc. (Stamblova et al., 2009, p.399). When recognizing these transitions and strategies, it is important to assist athletes during these times whether the helper is a coach, parent, manager, or psychologist

Based on Stamblova, Alfermann, Statler, and Cote’s (2009) review of the literature, they proposed six recommendations for athletes and those around them. Several career transitions are predictable in an athlete’s career. It is extremely important to prepare in advance for these transitions. Helping athletes make decisions from the future can be beneficial during this time. Emphasizing the importance of a holistic model is imperative. Athletes must find balance between all forms surrounding them and their lifestyle. When they are balanced, they can exert the proper coping strategies.

Transitioning from junior to senior sports is crucial for athletes. During this transition, athletes experience higher demands that results in higher levels of stress. It is imperative that all individuals supporting this athlete must continue to assist them during this transition. Though athletes may not want to wonder about life after sports, planning ahead can be beneficial. Retirement planning facilitates athletes adjustment post-career. Coaches and managers are expected to plan with the athlete for their future retirement. Multicultural practices are vital for those working in any field but specifically with athletes, coaches, managers, and those working with the athletes must be mindful of cultures. Cultural differences can tend to different transitions and coping techniques so consultants must be aware.

References

Bloch, D. (2005). Complexity, chaos, and nonlinear dynamics: A new perspective on career

            development theory. The Career Development Quarterly, 53(3), 194-207.

Stambulova, N., Alfermann, D., Statler, T., and Cote, J. (2009). ISSP position stand:

            Career development and transitions of athletes. International Journal of Sport and

Exercise Psychology, 7(4), 395-412.