Mid-life Chinese women’s understandings of sporting pain and injury: A non-Western cultural analysis via the Confucian concept of ‘ren’

Abstract

This study explored middle-aged Chinese female table tennis players’ experiences of pain and injuries in the context of life in a foreign country (New Zealand). Data were collected in two table tennis clubs via a year-long participant observation study and through life-story interviews. The Confucian concept of ren, which has similarities to new-materialist theorising, was drawn upon to frame our interpretations of the participants’ experiences of pain and injury. The concept encourages individuals who have been raised in Chinese communities to value social connections, have sympathy for others and strive for harmony. Our study correspondingly examined how aspects of age, gender, culture, immigrant identity and Confucian philosophy interlink to shape experiences of table tennis pain and injury. Results illustrated that our participants were willing to tolerate moderate pain during participation as they were motivated to enhance community solidarity. In contrast to studies that have examined ageing athletes from western countries, our participants did not tolerate pain with the desire to prove one’s individual capability. This study contributes to a non-Western cultural reading of sports pain and injury to illustrate how broader cultural dynamics shape such experiences.

Chinese and Indian interpretations of pain: A qualitative evidence synthesis to facilitate chronic pain management

“…For example:

“Rose's reflections on her pain experiences underpinned her eventual self‐transformation so that she conscientiously changed her previously ‘arrogant and proud’ self to become more understanding and willing to share and help others. Thus, her experiences of pain worked to produce harmony…” 60

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“…For example: "Rose's reflections on her pain experiences underpinned her eventual selftransformation so that she conscientiously changed her previously 'arrogant and proud' self to become more understanding and willing to share and help others. Thus, her experiences of pain worked to produce harmony…" 60 Pain seemed to provide an opportunity to reflect on individual values and brought strength, understanding, and compassion. Some patients described a spiritual view and felt that the experience of pain brought them closer to God and led to spiritual purification.…”

Health and illness beliefs regarding pain and pain management of New Zealand resident Sāmoan community leaders: A qualitative interpretive study based on Pasifika paradigms

“…The Christian faith was described as providing a framework through which pain could be understood and acknowledged in a positive sense. Past literature has also reported that chronic pain can be perceived as providing strength and spiritual growth 27–29 . Contemporary Sāmoan people often have a strong trust and faith in a transcendental being that is in control and can be sought for comfort and guidance 30 .…”

“…Past literature has also reported that chronic pain can be perceived as providing strength and spiritual growth. [27][28][29] Contemporary S amoan people often have a strong trust and faith in a transcendental being that is in control and can be sought for comfort and guidance. 30 The Christian faith was presented by informants as enabling acceptance, solace and hope amid pain, and a lower reliance on medication or interventional treatment.…”