“It's hard to find balance when you're broken”: Exploring female endurance athletes’ psychological experience of recovery from relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S)

Abstract

Introduction

This study aimed to explore qualitatively the psychological experience of recovery from relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S). More specifically, it sought to understand: how RED-S is experienced from a psychological perspective; sources of psychological conflict in the ongoing management of energy availability (EA); and athlete responses to psychological conflict in the pursuit of optimal EA.

Methods

Eight female endurance athletes identifying as “in recovery” or “recovered” from RED-S (M age = 29.78 years) participated in this integrated methods multiple case-study. Participants engaged in an initial topical life history interview, before completing an online diary over a 21-day period, taking photographs of psychological triggers for seven days, and participating in a follow-up interview. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

The theme in too deep and treading water captured the significant psychological implications of RED-S. Seven sources of psychological conflict reported while managing EA were identified. The theme a constant tug of war represented the responses to these sources of psychological conflict in the ongoing management of EA. Within this theme, the subthemes in two minds and an emotional rollercoaster illustrated the cognitive and affective responses to psychological conflict, while giving in and the only way is through represented the adaptive and maladaptive behavioural responses during recovery, respectively.

Conclusion

This study offers novel insights into the complex nature of recovery from RED-S and highlights the importance of considering psychological factors underpinning improved physiological functioning and overall wellbeing during RED-S recovery.