Massey, K and Whitehead, A “I’m still training for a big event:” A qualitative case study exploring an elite athlete's physical identity journey into motherhood. International Journal of Sport Psychology. ISSN 0047-0767 (Accepted)

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Abstract

The elite athlete perinatal journey can transform identity related to fluctuation in training, physicality, and performance, thus highlighting the importance of the physical self. This study aimed to extend knowledge of physical identity and physical activity experiences across the pre-conception to postpartum period. Adopting a qualitative case study approach, an elite track athlete was interviewed at 2-years preconception, the end of trimester 1, 2, and 3, and 6-months postpartum. Interviews were analyzed using a reflexive thematic analysis, developing two themes: My body is going to change containing three subthemes and Training for a big event containing two subthemes. An identity shift occurred across the perinatal transition, influenced by body image, purpose and performance, physical activity, and motivation. This required adaptation of training processes, social networks, and body expectations. This case study demonstrates the fluidity of identity and the complex interplay between physical identity, motherhood, and physical activity.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	1701 Psychology; 1702 Cognitive Sciences; Sport Sciences
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC1200 Sports Medicine
Divisions:	Sport and Exercise Sciences
Publisher:	Edizioni Luigi Pozzi
SWORD Depositor:	A Symplectic
Date Deposited:	23 Sep 2024 09:14
Last Modified:	16 Oct 2024 15:30
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/24213

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