RETIREMENT FROM SPORT AND THE LOSS OF ATHLETIC IDENTITY

The purpose of this study was to examine how a sample of elite athlete s coped with distressful reactions to retirement from sport. As part o f a larger research project, 15 former elite athletes were identified as having experienced severe emotional difficulties upon athletic care er termination. Through use of a micronarrative methodology, it was de termined that account making can be a significant moderator of distres s during the career transition process. In addition, the quality of th e account making was found to be related to present affect and overall success in coping with athletic retirement. Finally, changes in athle tic identity were found to be significant determinants of adjustment f or athletes upon career termination. Suggestions are presented for fut ure research on treatment strategies for distressful reactions to reti rement from sport.