Appreciative experiences of young adult athletes: An inquiry of challenges, psychological resilience, and inner strengths
Résumé
This study adopts an Appreciative Inquiry framework within the field of sports psychology to explore the lived experiences of young adult athletes. Its primary aim is to illuminate the positive experiences that serve as sources of psychological strength and resilience, while also identifying the challenges encountered throughout their athletic journey. The sample consists of ten non-professional athletes (both male and female), aged 18 to 23. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews lasting approximately 35 minutes each. All interviews were transcribed verbatim to ensure depth and accuracy in the subsequent analysis. Thematic Analysis was employed to interpret the data, leading to the emergence of three master themes, each encompassing specific themes and sub-themes: (a) Challenges, including practical difficulties, mental exhaustion, and physical fatigue; (b) Sources of Motivation, Strength, and Psychological Resilience, such as personal satisfaction and the development of meaningful relationships; and (c) Lived Experience of Sport’s Impact, which includes perceived benefits related to physical and mental well-being, as well as contributions to personal growth and identity formation. The findings underscore the importance of amplifying athletes’ voices in order to inform practices that genuinely support their psychological and emotional needs. By focusing on strengths, values, and aspirations, this study encourages future research to build upon the appreciative lens in order to design interventions and environments that enhance well-being, foster resilience, and create meaningful change in the everyday realities of young athletes.
Article Details
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Lampris, I. (2025). Appreciative experiences of young adult athletes: An inquiry of challenges, psychological resilience, and inner strengths. Homo Virtualis, 8(2), 112–135. https://doi.org/10.12681/homvir.43489
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