Unpublished MSc thesis, Michigan State University, 2012/01, 45. doi: 10.25335/M5PR2M, type of study: ,qs,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Free full text   (https://d.lib.msu.edu/etd/848)

Keywords:

athletes [49]
college athletes [1]
qualitative study [290]
spirituality [32]
sports [158]
USA [1752]

Abstract:

Spirituality plays an important role in sport and exercise, in addition to health and general well-being. Examining the topic of spirituality in sport and sports medicine necessitates the use of in-depth and descriptive qualitative analysis to discover fresh insight in a new and exciting field of study. In this investigation, individual interviews of six athletes were performed to discuss the meaning and importance of spirituality in their own sport experience. Audiotapes were transcribed to text and inductively analyzed under grounded theory, particularly utilizing the concepts of Glaser and Strauss's constant comparison analysis. The athletes agreed that spirituality is significant as well as elusive and difficult to define. All six athletes agreed that spirituality is a part of their lives and can be a source of strength or comfort during difficult times. However, the individual experience during a team prayer and the purpose of team prayer evoked mixed feelings amongst the athletes. Several athletes shared their experiences with season or career-ending injuries and how their spirituality helped them through the difficult times, the times of transition and the emotions involved. We found that spirituality was not being addressed in the delivery of sports medicine services to the student-athlete. The athletes we spoke with had varying opinions as to whether or not this is necessary and gave many suggestions for how to offer spiritual resources in a meaningful way.