The podium illusion: a phenomenological study of the influence of social support on well-being and performance in elite para swimmers

Abstract

Background The value of social support in enhancing performance is well established in non-impaired and sub-international level athletes with impairments. Despite this, no research to date has explored the experiences of social support in elite para-athletes. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of social support in elite British para-swimmers and the influence on their wellbeing and performance. Methods A hermeneutic phenomenological study involving semi-structured interviews was undertaken with 8 elite British para-swimmers (3 male, 5 female, mean age 24.9 years). Participants represented 5 para-swimming classes and all 10 of the International Paralympic Committee impairment categories. Data were analysed following a modified version of the Framework Method. Research quality and trustworthiness were ensured through employing techniques including data triangulation, member checking and reflexivity. Results Five themes and 11 sub-themes were generated. The five themes were: ‘the coach-athlete relationship’, ‘team bond’, ‘tangible aid’, ‘The Podium Illusion’ and ‘British para-swimming’. The overall findings and the magnitude of support mentioned in the fourth theme led to the development of a new model called ‘The Podium Illusion’ which reflects the magnitude of support that is available to elite para-swimmers to help maximise their performance and wellbeing. Conclusion Social support is essential for athlete wellbeing and performance. Findings underpin a new model, ‘The Podium Illusion’.

Exploring the relationship between social support, resilience, and subjective well-being in athletes of adapted sport

“…Recent studies have looked at the social support provided by the best friend and its influence on adolescent’s practical physical activity and perceived benefits ( Martin and Smith, 2002 ; Martin, 2006 ; Stearns et al, 2018 ; Kandola et al, 2020 ; Monteiro et al, 2021 ). On the other hand, in sports for people with disabilities context, social support is also considered to be a positive influence ( Swanson et al, 2008 ; Machida et al, 2013 ; Crawford et al, 2015 ; Fiorilli et al, 2016 ; Haslett et al, 2017 ; Powell and Myers, 2017 ; Cardoso et al, 2018 ; Atkinson and Martin, 2020 ; Aitchison et al, 2021 ; Mira et al, 2022 ; Monton et al, 2022 ).…”

“…Social support and well-being are two important constructs in athletes with disabilities and their relationship has been evidenced in several studies ( Crawford et al, 2015 ; Fiorilli et al, 2016 ; Haslett et al, 2017 ; Atkinson and Martin, 2020 ; Aitchison et al, 2021 ; Mira et al, 2022 ; Monton et al, 2022 ). Waldinger and Schulz (2016) argues that social connections are very important, people who are more socially connected are happier, healthier, and live longer.…”

“…The association between positive affect and social support from parents and friends has reinforced the importance that this support seems to have on the emotional states of athletes ( VaezMousavia et al, 2013 ; Shapiro and Malone, 2016 ). The social support provided to athletes with disabilities is very important, as improvement of their career and well-being ( Crawford et al, 2015 ; Fiorilli et al, 2016 ; Haslett et al, 2017 ; Atkinson and Martin, 2020 ; Aitchison et al, 2021 ; Mira et al, 2022 ; Monton et al, 2022 ).…”

“…Social support for athletes with disabilities is extremely relevant to improving their career and well-being. Sport experiences provide an improvement in social skills, which in turn consequently improves well-being and social support ( Crawford et al, 2015 ; Fiorilli et al, 2016 ; Haslett et al, 2017 ; Atkinson and Martin, 2020 ; Aitchison et al, 2021 ; Mira et al, 2022 ; Monton et al, 2022 ). Thus, the aim of our study is to understand the association between social support, resilience and positive affect and negative affect, satisfaction with life, in athletes with disabilities who play federated sport.…”

Monitoring mental distress in Para athletes in preparation, during and after the Beijing Paralympic Games 2022: A 22 week prospective mixed-method study

“…Elite coaches play an important role in the lives of their athletes, both in terms of providing competence and guidance in relation to sport specific performance enhancement, but also in relation to giving emotional support over time ( 34 , 35 ). The quality of the coach-athlete relationship, with a focus on the emotional support and overall wellbeing of the athlete has been shown to be of significance for improved performance in both Olympic ( 36 ) and Paralympic athletes ( 37 ). Nowadays, many coaches are aware of how to prepare Para athletes with mental training before larger events such as the Paralympic Games ( 38 , 39 ).…”