Back to Search
Start Over
"I think the best athletes use it": Masculinities and self-compassion among men varsity athletes.
- Source :
-
Psychology of Sport & Exercise . Nov2023, Vol. 69, pN.PAG-N.PAG. 1p. - Publication Year :
- 2023
-
Abstract
- We examined how men varsity athletes' embodiments of masculinities shaped their perceptions and experiences of self-compassion to manage sport-related challenges. Two semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 men varsity athletes (20 interviews total). Vignettes depiciting athletes low and high in self-compassion were used as talk elicitation tools during interviews. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis and four themes were identified from the mens' accounts. Participants utilized self-compassion as a coping strategy in sport and other life-domains to maintain well-being. Self-compassion was used to balance self-criticism to support achievement striving efforts. The experience of contrasting masculine ideologies (hegemonic and inclusive) promoted and constrained the men's implementation of self-compassion. Traditional masculine narratives created tensions for participants who at times embodied the (mis)belief that self-compassion promotes complacency in the pursuit of athletic achievement. Findings contribute to understandings of men athletes' experiences of self-compassion and masculinities in relation to sport-related challenges and performance. • We examined men athletes' experiences with self-compassion and masculinities. • Men used self-compassion to cope with sport and life-related challenges. • Men balanced self-kindness and self-criticism to support achievement striving. • Participants embodied conflicting hegemonic and inclusive masculinity norms. • They perceived (at times) that self-compassion promotes complacency in sport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 14690292
- Volume :
- 69
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Psychology of Sport & Exercise
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 171312238
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2023.102486