Mindfulness and sport: The role of mindfulness in the lives of athletes prior to and during COVID-19
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Date
2024-03
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University of New Brunswick
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted sports globally. Given such disruption, the athletes were vulnerable to stress and anxiety. Some athletes reported using mindfulness to manage their mental health and well-being. This qualitative study examined the role of mindfulness in the lives of athletes prior to and during COVID-19. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using Facebook Messenger, and data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Eligibility criteria for participants included ages 19 or older, access to Facebook Messenger, competition experience, and experience with practicing mindfulness. A total of twenty athletes participated in the study and ten different sports were represented: Three primary themes were identified: (a) Groundedness: Pre-COVID-19, (b) Uncertainty: Early COVID-19, and (c) Impermanence: During COVID-19. Findings suggested that mindfulness played different roles before and during the pandemic. These findings provide insight into understanding the experience of athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Sports