Abstract des Autors

This paper describes the psychological processes of injured athletes and corresponding treatments along a continuum based on time away from sport. The first level involves injuries requiring rehabilitation of 0 to 2 weeks. Athletes' reactions focus on resiliency and coping with the stress associated with injury, and treatment emphasizes stress management and development of coping strategies. The second level involves injuries requiring rehabilitation of more than 2 weeks; in this level, motivation and compliance with rehabilitation protocols are dealt with, and treatment focuses on goal setting and injury support groups. The third level pertains to injuries resulting in the termination of an athlete's sport participation. This level involves the potential loss of identity in sport and transitions to a new lifestyle, with treatment strategies focusing on grief responses and career counseling. By viewing the psychology of athletic injury rehabilitation from a perspective that is sensitive to the severity of the injury as well as longevity of rehabilitation, sport psychologists can provide treatment better suited to the individual athlete. Verf.-Referat