‘Find a sport and carry on’: Posttraumatic growth and achievement in British Paralympic athletes

Kampman, Hanna; Hefferon, Kate

doi:10.5502/ijw.v10i1.765

Cited by 6 publications

(20 citation statements)

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“…This aligns with the theory that the loss of service identity creates additional trauma on top of the physical or psychological trauma experienced in combat [25]. The contrasting decrease of social isolation after diving echoes findings of previous studies into PA in disabled divers [46]; parasports [43,44]; and other adventurous activities such as white water-rafting and surfing [5,38].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 84%

“…Undertaking dive training with other ex-service personnel with related trauma experiences appears to create an even greater sense of belonging and reconnection with their past lives in this group of divers. Diving with the role-models of other ex-service personnel also offers opportunities for self-disclosure and self-reflection, while the formation of new identities aligns with the experiences of elite parasports athletes who experience PTG [44]. These proximate sociocultural influences are known facilitators of the PTG process, allowing people to work through the process of reappraisal and acceptance of their trauma in a safe and understanding environment.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These proximate sociocultural influences are known facilitators of the PTG process, allowing people to work through the process of reappraisal and acceptance of their trauma in a safe and understanding environment. See, for example, role models among Paralympians [44]. Like these parasports athletes, these divers formed an elite once more, experiencing adventure away from everyday life, while learning new skills.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…See for example [5,41,42]. Furthermore, PA can facilitate PTG through new meaningful relationships [43,44], more so when there is high group cohesion, a shared focus and camaraderie [45]. Anderson and colleagues [38] also found improved wellbeing of veterans through formation of new relationships with a shared focus, along with feelings of awe in their study of white-water rafting, another adventurous physical activity in bluespace.…”

Section: Scuba Diving: Physical Activity In Bluespacementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Furthermore, participants reported increased feelings of freedom stemming from their new abilities underwater. Improved relationships, recognition of new opportunities in being equal underwater to able-bodied divers, and increased perceptions of personal strengths are all recognized aspects of PTG [7,44,47].…”

Section: Scuba Diving: Physical Activity In Bluespacementioning

confidence: 99%

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“It didn't bring back the old me but helped me on the path to the new me”: exploring posttraumatic growth in British veterans with PTSD

Walker

Kampman

2021

Disability and Rehabilitation

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Purpose: This study explores the role of scuba diving therapy in growth experiences of ex-servicemen. Previous research has focused on difficulties arising from re-entering civilian life after deployment. Known mental health challenges occurring after severe combat related trauma exposure include depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, less is known about the potential positive transformation which can occur when individuals navigate these challenges. Known facilitators of this positive transformation, often referred to as posttraumatic growth, are still sparse in this participant pool. Method: This study utilised an in-depth qualitative approach of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis utilizing semi-structured interviews. A homogeneous sample of five male British ex-service personnel with a diagnosis of PTSD who identified with posttraumatic growth was recruited. Results: All participants reported positive mental health benefits from diving with four themes emerging: Human Connection; Meaningful Leisure; Embodiment; and The Calm.Conclusions: Scuba diving appeared to afford instant access to lasting relief of anxiety, stress, and symptoms of PTSD and reduction of physical symptoms of their trauma connected to underwater weightlessness. The reduction of PTSD symptoms carved space for PTG, facilitated through a meaningful leisure environment with opportunities for human connection with individuals who had gone through similar experiences.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 84%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Scuba Diving: Physical Activity In Bluespacementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Scuba Diving: Physical Activity In Bluespacementioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

“It didn't bring back the old me but helped me on the path to the new me”: exploring posttraumatic growth in British veterans with PTSD

Walker

Kampman

2021

Disability and Rehabilitation

Self Cite

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Paraclimbing coach: a qualitative needs analysis of competencies and skills from the perspective of elite paraclimbers

Hubmann,

Kiselev,

Hirt

et al. 2024

Sports Psychiatry

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Background: Despite the exponential growth of Paraclimbing as a sports discipline in recent years, there is a significant gap in research concerning the specific training needs of paraclimbing coaches(PC). The unique challenges posed by the athletes’ disabilities require coaches to possess specialized knowledge and competencies in both physical training and psychological support. Objective: This study aims to explore the elite paraclimbing athletes (EPCA) expectations and perceived training needs regarding their coaches to understand better how coaching can be optimized for this emerging sport. Methods: A qualitative, cross-sectional study design was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with six ( N = 6) EPCA from German-speaking countries. The interview guide was developed based on the expertise from the field and competence model by Zeuner and Hummel (2006), focusing on four domains: professional, methodological, self-expertise, and social skills. Interviews were analyzed through thematic analysis. Results: The findings reveal that while general climbing training covers many relevant aspects, it inadequately addresses the specific needs of athletes with disabilities. Key areas identified for improvement include integrating disability-specific knowledge into training programs, including mental health support strategies, and the need for better coordination with external professionals such as psychologists and medical experts. Moreover, the athletes emphasized the importance of social and professional expertise. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for specialized training programs for paraclimbing coaches incorporating disability-specific knowledge and mental health competencies. Addressing these gaps and needs is essential for supporting the development and success of para-athletes, and for ensuring that coaching in paraclimbing evolves alongside the sport’s growing demands.

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Characterizing post-traumatic growth in individuals with traumatic brain injury according to social participation, self-awareness, and self-identity

Mamman,

Fleming,

Mortenson

et al. 2024

Disability and Rehabilitation

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‘Find a sport and carry on’: Posttraumatic growth and achievement in British Paralympic athletes

Cited by 6 publications

References 0 publications

“It didn't bring back the old me but helped me on the path to the new me”: exploring posttraumatic growth in British veterans with PTSD

“It didn't bring back the old me but helped me on the path to the new me”: exploring posttraumatic growth in British veterans with PTSD

Paraclimbing coach: a qualitative needs analysis of competencies and skills from the perspective of elite paraclimbers

Characterizing post-traumatic growth in individuals with traumatic brain injury according to social participation, self-awareness, and self-identity

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