Coach Discussion of Sport-related concussions in Student-Athletes: An Analysis of Silences
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Date
2021-04-27
Authors
Gomez, Douglas
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
DISSERTATION ABSTRACT
Doug Gomez
Doctor of Philosophy
Counseling Psychology and Human Services
June 2020
Title: Coach Discussion of Sport-Related Concussions in Student-Athletes: An Analysis of Silences
Context: Sport-related concussions affect millions of athletes every year and represent a significant risk for college athletes. This particular injury is difficult to treat because the presentation of the symptoms is mostly internal, and self-report is the primary method of determining whether an individual has a concussion. Coaches are charged with creating a team environment that does not put players at greater risk of injury, and coaches express a desire to keep players safe; however, many athletes who sustain a concussion still return to play while symptomatic. There is a discrepancy between the stated values of coaches, and the behaviors that occur with regard to sport-related concussions in a team environment. The present study elicited coaches’ perspectives on what challenges exist when it comes to managing sport-related concussions.
Methods: An analytic question was used in the study, which was “How does a deconstructive analysis create an awareness of silences and illuminate the silent articulations of concussion sequelae.” Data were analyzed using a deconstructive methodology focused on inferences that were gleaned through the analysis of different types of silence as well as the analysis of the conditions that produced those silences. Analysis involved a three-phase process, which was analysis of the transcripts individually, concurrently with the audio of the interviews, and the analysis of the audio interviews individually with no written material.
Results: Four types of silence were identified: Digressive, Discordant, Desiring, and Disciplinary. Examples were provided of each type of silence in the context of the interviews. Digressive and Discordant silences were found primarily in the first phase of the analysis followed by the Desiring and Disciplinary silences in the second and third phases respectively.
Conclusions: Concussion sequelae extend beyond the traditional physiological sequelae and include the effects concussions can have on coaches and even interviewers discussing the phenomenon. Alternative methods of inquiry provide unique understandings of this complex issue. Digressive and Discordant silences were counterproductive in that they encouraged increased focus on the silences pertaining to the discussion of concussions rather than avoidance of the issue. Desiring silences have the potential to produce greater awareness of Disciplinary silences.
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Keywords
Coach, Concussion, Deconstruction, Qualitative Methodology, Silence