Athletes with Neurodegenerative Disease: A Phenomenological Exploration of Family Members’ Experiences

Matthew Smith, Georgia Young, John Batten, Keith Parry, Rosie Collins, Eric Anderson, Adam White

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Abstract

This qualitative study involved in-depth interviews with 15 family members (mainly partners and children) of deceased athletes who experienced deterioration in their neurological health towards the end of their life. The purpose of this study was to examine the stressors these family members experienced with the ailed players, their emotional responses to their family member's condition, as well as the coping strategies they used. Vertical and horizontal thematic analyses were conducted on the data, which revealed five distinct temporal stages, a range of emotional responses, as well as accompanying stressors and coping strategies at each temporal stage. The findings are presented as an ethnodrama, capturing the lived experiences of participants. This ethnodrama aims to resonate with those caring for family members who are experiencing deteriorating neurological health, while also raising awareness of the various emotional responses of the individuals in these situations, as well as inviting dialogue and reflection about these issues.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3492-3518
Number of pages27
JournalThe Qualitative Report
Volume26
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Nov 2021

Keywords

  • Ethnodrama
  • Neurological health
  • Phenomenology
  • Stressors
  • Temporal analysis

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