E-Thesis 478 views 214 downloads
Protecting and Promoting the Wellbeing of High-Performance Swimmers / KATIE UZZELL
Swansea University Author: KATIE UZZELL
DOI (Published version): 10.23889/SUthesis.62923
Abstract
The aims of the present thesis were two-fold. First, to gain an in-depth understanding of high-performance swimmers’ experiences of wellbeing. Second, to develop, implement, and evaluate an intervention aimed at protecting and promoting the wellbeing of high-performance swimmers. Study 1 used an int...
| Published: |
Swansea
2023
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| Institution: | Swansea University |
| Degree level: | Doctoral |
| Degree name: | Ph.D |
| Supervisor: | Knight, Camilla J. ; Hill, Denise M. |
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa62923 |
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| Abstract: |
The aims of the present thesis were two-fold. First, to gain an in-depth understanding of high-performance swimmers’ experiences of wellbeing. Second, to develop, implement, and evaluate an intervention aimed at protecting and promoting the wellbeing of high-performance swimmers. Study 1 used an interpretive description methodology to explore swimmers’ wellbeing experiences, in terms of how it was understood, experienced, and recognised. Findings suggested that wellbeing was understood and experienced in relation to personal values and goals, and could be recognised via numerous affective, cognitive, and behavioural indicators. Study 2 used a grounded theory methodology to develop a substantive theory of the process through which participation in high-performance swimming affects athlete wellbeing. The resultant theory illustrated how a dominant performance narrative influenced the development and maintenance of an exclusive swimmer identity that was tied to performance. Subsequently, transitions were highlighted as critical points where wellbeing was likely to be affected, due to the increased potential for change and uncertainty to impact on performance (and therefore identity). However, proactive coping strategies (e.g., planning, social support) were shown to minimise the impact on wellbeing. Informed by the findings of the first two studies, Study 3 used an action research methodology to develop, implement, and evaluate the delivery and effectiveness of a multi-component online wellbeing intervention. Findings suggested the intervention was effective in increasing knowledge and skills, improving self-awareness, and provided reassurance that led to increased confidence in coping abilities. Such outcomes were perceived to be facilitated by the delivery of timely and relevant content, the inclusion of a professional swimmer, use of real-world examples, and opportunities for self-reflection and interaction with peers. However, findings also illustrated some key challenges related to delivering a workshop-based intervention, such as ensuring content is relevant and useful for all, and delivering workshops at a time that suits everyone, in a format that fits individual preferences. |
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| Item Description: |
ORCiD identifier: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9611-5384 |
| Keywords: |
Sport Psychology, Wellbeing, Mental Health, High-Performance Sport, Swimming, Qualitative |
| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |