Document Type

Honors Project

First Advisor

Dr. Leah Washington

Second Advisor

Dr. Chase Hale

Third Advisor

Dr. Tammy Sheehy

Degree Award Date

Spring 2022

Keywords

athletic training, social support, rehabilitation, emotional response, psychosocial outcomes

Disciplines

Mental and Social Health | Rehabilitation and Therapy | Sports Medicine | Sports Sciences

Abstract

An analysis on the impact of the level of social support from athletic trainers on the outcomes of orthopedic injuries in athletes. The foundational model for this research is Wiese-Bjornstal’s Integrated Model (1998). This model examines the effect of athletes’ emotional responses on their recovery. Social support from the athletic trainer can help mediate negative emotional responses and encourage positive emotional responses, which is why social support is crucial to recovery. Athletes with higher levels of perceived social support from their athletic trainers had more success with rehabilitation. This report consists of a review of the existing literature on psychosocial outcomes of orthopedic injuries and social support, as well as an inductive analysis of three interviews with student-athletes at Division III Bridgewater College. In examining the existing data and the present study, three major implications for practical application can be drawn. These implications include the athletic trainers’ need for communication skills, athletes’ perceptions of athletic trainers’ experience, and social support from the athletic trainer as a necessity.

Recommended Citation

Barnett, Hannah. "Psychosocial Outcomes of Orthopedic Injuries: An Analysis of the Relationship Between the Athlete and the Athletic Trainer." Senior Honors Projects, Bridgewater College, 2022.

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