Identifying Strategies for Maintaining Motivation in Professional Athletes After Injury

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify strategies for maintaining motivation in professional athletes following serious sports injuries. This qualitative research employed an inductive content analysis approach. The participants included 21 professional athletes from various sports disciplines residing in Tehran, selected through purposive sampling based on theoretical saturation. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using NVivo software. The analysis involved open coding, category development, and the extraction of core themes. The analysis revealed three main themes: "internal motivational resources," "interpersonal support," and "rehabilitation and return strategies." Each theme comprised several subthemes, including meaning-making of injury, positive self-talk, family and coach support, modified physical activity, and stress coping skills. These strategies helped athletes preserve or reconstruct their motivation throughout the rehabilitation process. The findings indicate that maintaining motivation after injury requires a combination of psychological, social, and behavioral strategies. Integrating these strategies into psychological and rehabilitation interventions can significantly facilitate a successful return to professional sports competition.