Transitioning Out of Sport: Perspectives of Student-Athlete Support or Development Services

The Role of Sport-Life Balance and Well-Being on Athletic Performance

“…Transitioning out of elite sport forces an individual to adjust to a new way of life and can often be accompanied by negative effects, impacting mental health (Knights et al, 2016;Ohashi, 2018). However, retiring from sport and pursuing other experiences are critical and necessary life events that can positively impact the individual and lead to personal growth, development and fulfillment (Ohashi, 2018).…”

“…Transitioning out of elite sport forces an individual to adjust to a new way of life and can often be accompanied by negative effects, impacting mental health (Knights et al, 2016;Ohashi, 2018). However, retiring from sport and pursuing other experiences are critical and necessary life events that can positively impact the individual and lead to personal growth, development and fulfillment (Ohashi, 2018). Athletes who have opportunities to explore their interests and identity beyond sport, developing both vocational and life skills, report more ease with athletic career transition, adapting more easily to a new routine and way of life (Gordon & Lavallee, 2012;Hansen, et al, 2018;Knights et al, 2016;Park et al, 2013;Pink et al, 2015).…”

“…Athletes who lack balance and non-sporting experiences, report experiencing delayed identity shifts, increased stress and ultimately find it more difficult to adjust to life after sport (Park et al, 2013). Planning for life after sport and the use of career counselling and psycho-educational programs, have been shown to have a positive impact on sport performance, as well as increased life and career satisfaction, post-sport (Aquilina, 2013;Knights et al, 2016;McArdle et al, 2014;Ohashi, 2018;Park et al, 2013). Additionally, Park et al (2013) report that psychosocial support from those close to athletes, including family, friends, coaches, trainers and teammates, has been shown to positively impact athlete career transition by easing emotional distress and increasing athletes' self-esteem and sense of belonging through social networks.…”