A grounded theory of psychological resilience in Olympic champions

Objective: Although it is well-established that the ability to manage stress is a prerequisite of sporting excellence, the construct of psychological resilience has yet to be systematically examined in athletic performers. The study reported here sought to explore and explain the relationship between psychological resilience and optimal sport performance. Design and method: Twelve Olympic champions (8 men and 4 women) from a range of sports were interviewed regarding their experiences of withstanding pressure during their sporting careers. A grounded theory approach was employed throughout the data collection and analysis, and interview transcripts were analyzed using open, axial and selective coding. Methodological rigor was established by incorporating various verification strategies into the research process, and the resultant grounded theory was also judged using the quality criteria of fit, work, relevance, and modifiability. Results and conclusions: Results indicate that numerous psychological factors (relating to a positive personality, motivation, confidence, focus, and perceived social support) protect the world’s best athletes from the potential negative effect of stressors by influencing their challenge appraisal and metacognitions. These processes promote facilitative responses that precede optimal sport performance. The emergent theory provides sport psychologists, coaches and national sport organizations with an understanding of the role of resilience in athletes’ lives and the attainment of optimal sport performance. 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Winning an Olympic gold medal is universally recognized as the pinnacle of sporting achievement and arguably the most demanding challenge an athlete can pursue. This is, in part, due to the unique scale of the Olympic Games which occurs only once every four years. It is the magnitude and infrequency of the event, combined with the globalization of the sport industry, which ensures worldwide fascination and interest in the athletes’ performances. However, this intense scrutiny brings with it enormous pressure and only those who can manage the stress that accompanies sport at this level will be successful. In view of these observations, sport psychology researchers have investigated and identified the numerous demands e or stressors e encountered by Olympic athletes (see, e.g., Fletcher & Hanton, 2003; Gould, Jackson, & Finch, 1993; Scanlan, Stein, & Ravizza, 1991), including those associated with competitive performance (e.g., preparation, expectations, and opponents), the sport organization within which the athletes operate (e.g., finances, selection, and officials), and personal “nonsporting” life events (e.g., family responsibilities, moving house, and serious illness). Why is it that some sport performers are able to withstand e or even thrive on e such pressure in the Olympic environment and attain peak performances, whereas x: þ44 15 0922 6301.