Beyond the game: Well-being amid life disruptions among elite athletes

Abstract

This study examines how elite athletes perceived, experienced, and coped with the significant interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, including canceled competitions, closed facilities, and restricted interactions with coaches and teammates. Framed by Existential Positive Psychology (EPP), this qualitative research explores the meaning-making processes, emotional experiences, and existential challenges of athletes when confronted with life and career disruptions. Semi-structured virtual interviews were conducted with twenty Filipino national athletes (10 female, 10 male) to capture their experiences during the early phase of the global crisis. Reflexive thematic analysis revealed the overarching theme, "being with uncertainty," which portrays how athletes were positioned amid the widescale ambiguity that derailed their career trajectories. Four primary themes were generated: "navigating the ebb and flow of emotions," "redefining identity and selfhood," "strengthening social connections," and "anchoring on meaning, purpose, and faith." The findings are discussed within Indigenous psychological concepts upheld by EPP, offering culturally nuanced insights into athlete well-being that extend beyond Western notions of individual happiness and success. This research provides valuable considerations for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive support systems to help athletes from diverse backgrounds navigate unprecedented disruptions to their lives and careers.