Department

Counseling and Human Services

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Date of Award

12-2018

Format

PDF

Degree Level

Ph.D.

LCSH subject

Identity (Psychology); Women -- Women athletes; Psychological aspects -- Retirement; Psychological aspects -- Athletes; Mental health

ISBN

978-1-392-16170-8

Medium

Manuscript

Proquest Document ID

2234281564

Identifier

ETD2019Wooten

School/University

St. Mary's University

Size or duration

xi, 189 pages

Document Type

Dissertation

First Advisor

Tubbs, Carolyn Y.

Second Advisor

Harper, Melanie C.

Third Advisor

Mudge, Suzanne D.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of retired female athletes after they have retired from Division I athletics. The study sought to understand retired female athletes' subsequent transition out of athletics and their loss in identity, if any. With increased understanding of psychological and emotional facets of retired female athletes, counselors may be able to provide more appropriate and well-tailored interventions, support, and guidance required for adaptive transitions in identity. Six retired female athletes were recruited to describe their lived experiences of transition out of athletics in a single semi-structured audio interview. Data comprised participants' personal narratives describing their experiences, and participants' artifacts. Results consist of participant profiles, individual depictions, description of themes, and the researcher's creative synthesis. Findings from this study expand the current body of empirical research on sport literature and counseling, and inform future research, training, theory, supervision, and clinical practice.

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