A Review on Transitional Implications for Retiring Elite Athletes: WhatHappens When the Spotlight Dims?

摘要

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the factors affecting an elite athlete’s transition from thesports environment, and identify opportunities for interventions to facilitate a positive transition into post-sports life. Articleswere identified through a systematic keyword and database search and were examined using the components ofSchlossberg’s Model of Human Adaptation to Transition (characteristics of the transition, the individual and the pre andpost environment). The greatest contributors to a difficult transition include involuntary retirement (injury or deselection),a strong, exclusive athletic identity, and lack of pre-retirement planning and support services. However, gaps exist in thescope of programs to address broader adaptation issues. Greater emphasis should be directed towards the psychological,social and physical transitions experienced by elite athletes prior to and after retirement to ensure a positive adaptationinto post-sports life.