Compassion matters in elite sports environments: Insights from high-performance coaches

Emilia Backman · Charlotte Hejl · Kristoffer Henriksen · Ingo Zettler

21 citations0/0 files storedPsychology of sport and exercise

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Sport Psychology and Performance Physical Education and Sports Studies Motivation and Self-Concept in Sports

Abstract

It is an open question to which degree compassion-noticing, engaging with, and acting to alleviate suffering in self and others-is (considered) advantageous in elite sports. Addressing this question, we herein provide insights into high-performance coaches' perceptions on the role of compassion in elite sports environments. Specifically, 12 coaches working at the highest level of their respective sport (in Denmark) partook in semi-structured interviews focusing on the utilization, implications, as well as barriers for implementing compassion in elite sports environments. Following a thematic analysis, three themes comprising various subthemes were identified and discussed. The first theme - Benefits of compassion - focuses on coaches' perception of the use and implications of compassion and comprises four subthemes: Compassion is important when times are tough; Compassion stimulates human connection; Compassion fosters unity in competitive environments; and Compassion promotes performance. The second theme - Increasing compassionate competence - focuses on how a compassionate approach can flourish and comprises three subthemes: Reflection; Awareness and knowledge; and Keeping up with the times. The third theme - Barriers to compassion - focuses on barriers to implementing and enhancing compassion in elite sports environments and comprises four subthemes: Compassion is soft; Power dynamics can stand in the way; Requires prioritization; and Performance outcome orientation. We conclude that while compassion (beyond self-compassion) can be beneficial in elite sports, coaches still perceive barriers for successful implementation, and that research should further investigate the outcomes and consequences of compassion in the elite sport context.

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References

2006Using thematic analysis in psychology 2016Routledge Handbook of Qualitative Research in Sport and Exercise 2014The origins and nature of compassion focused therapy 2016What is compassion and how can we measure it? A review of definitions and measures 2017The development of compassionate engagement and action scales for self and others 2019Consensus statement on improving the mental health of high performance athletes 1978On the Possibility of Social Scientific Knowledge and the Limits of Naturalism 2016Interviews: qualitative interviewing in the sport and exercise sciences

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