The Trauma Associated with Recovery: A Thematic Analysis

Kaitlyn Quinn

According to recent research, sports injuries are becoming more and more common with the increased participation in sports. The severity of the injury usually increases with higher levels of contact and competitiveness. Injuries that result in torn ligaments or broken bones typically require surgeries and weeks, sometimes months, of therapy which can take a large toll on the athlete. For example, a traumatic injury can have both physical and psychological impacts, which is why it is important to understand the effects of an injury on an athlete and their recovery. For this research, a thematic analysis was conducted and looked at comments on different Reddit posts to compare what different athletes said about the trauma they experience with an injury. By comparing the content of the posts and comments, I examined common themes expressed by athletes surrounding the trauma that they experienced both physically and mentally during and after their recovery process. Discussion will include the lasting psychological effects of sports injuries and the prevalence of trauma-like symptoms in athletes.

• Kaitlyn Quinn graduated from Lexington High School and is a senior exercise science major with a minor in psychology. She plans on continuing her education by pursuing a doctorate in Occupational Therapy at MUSC after she graduates. Her achievements include working as a tutor and academic coach in the Student Success Center, presenting a research poster at the USC Upstate Research Symposium, and earning over 200 hours interning in outpatient occupational therapy rehabilitation clinics across South Carolina.