This study was intended to clarify generational differences in PTG following severe sports injuries among women’s football players.
A total of 54 players participated, including 38 from the Japan Women’s Football League (Elite; mean age: 24.5±3.7, BMI: 20.8±1.6 kg/m2) and 16 U18 players (U18; mean age: 16.9±1.1, BMI: 20.7±1.9 kg/m2), all of whom had experienced a severe sports injury, defined by FIFA as an injury requiring 29 or more days away from competition. Data were collected through self-reported questionnaires regarding basic demographic information, sports injury history, and PTGI-X. Independent t-tests and chi-squared tests were conducted to compare the Elite and U18 groups, with a significance level set at less than 5%.
Significant differences were found in age at injury (Elite: 20.2±4.6; U18: 14.6±2.0) and years of experience (Elite: 17.6±3.8; U18: 10.5±2.4). No significant difference was observed in weekly practice hours (Elite: 10.5±2.4 h; U18: 9.6±0.8 h, p=0.15). A significant difference was found in surgery history (Elite: n=24; U18: n=4). No significant difference was observed in psychological impact at the time of injury (p=0.06). PTGI-X showed significant differences in total score and three subscales: Total score (Elite: 2.6±0.8; U18: 2.0±0.9), Relating to Others (Elite: 3.0±0.8; U18: 2.4±1.1), New Possibilities (Elite: 2.8±1.1; U18: 2.2±1.2), and Personal Strength (Elite: 2.8±1.0; U18: 2.2±1.0). No significant differences were found in Spiritual and Existential Change (Elite: 1.7±1.0; U18: 1.1±0.9) or Appreciation of Life (Elite: 2.5±1.1; U18: 2.0±1.3).
According to the PTG theoretical model, people often recognize their PTG because the event they experienced has shaken and challenged the core beliefs and values that they accumulated; thus, greater emotional impact leads to more PTG (Taku, 2021). Based on the total scores and subscales that showed significant differences, it is suggested that the elite players, more than the U18 players, possess factors and resources—such as relationships with others, new interests, acceptance of outcomes, and feelings of self-trust—that make it easier to transform the experience of sports injuries into PTG.
Severe sports injuries, while causing emotional distress, can foster personal growth in athletes. Understanding PTG is crucial for developing effective rehabilitation programs for athletes recovering from severe injuries.
severe sports injury
women’s foot ball
