Emotional Reaction of Varsity Athletes to Sport-Related Concussion

in Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology

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Lynda M. Mainwaring University of Toronto

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Sean M. Bisschop Toronto Rehabilitation Institute

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Robin E.A. Green Toronto Rehabilitation Institute

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Mark Antoniazzi Toronto Rehabilitation Institute

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Paul Comper Toronto Rehabilitation Institute

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Vicki Kristman University of Toronto

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Christine Provvidenza University of Toronto

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Doug W. Richards University of Toronto

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/jsep.26.1.119
Keywords:
mild traumatic brain injury; profile of mood states; recovery; athletic injury; depression; confusion; longitudinal
In Print:
Volume 26: Issue 1
Page Range:
119–135
Restricted access

Despite suggestions that emotions influence recovery from injury, there is little research into the emotional sequelae of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), or “concussion,” in sport. This examination compares emotional functioning of college athletes with MTBI to that of uninjured teammates and undergraduates. A short version of the Profile of Mood States (POMS; Grove & Prapavessis, 1992) assessed baseline emotions in all groups, and serial emotional functioning in the MTBI and undergraduate groups. Whereas preinjury profiles were similar across groups, the MTBI group showed a significant postinjury spike in depression, confusion, and total mood disturbance that was not seen for the other groups. The elevated mood disturbances subsided within 3 weeks postinjury. Given that concussed athletes were highly motivated to return to play, these data could be used as a benchmark of normal emotional recovery from MTBI. Findings are discussed in relation to current literature on emotional reaction to injury and directions for future research.

Faculty of Physical and Health Education, University of Toronto, 55 Harbord St., Toronto, ON, M5S 2W6 Canada

Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, 550 University Ave., Toronto, ON, M5G 2A2

Dept. of Public Health Sciences, University of Toronto.

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