"I'm not just trying to keep my head above water, I have to f****** snorkel": spatial metaphors of psychological well-being among performance leaders and managers

Richard A.C. Simpson, Faye F. Didymus

Research output: Contribution to conferenceAbstractpeer-review

Abstract

Objectives: The aims of this research were to explore meanings and understandings of psychological well-being (PWB) among performance leaders and managers (PLMs). Informed by previous metaphor literature (Lakoff & Johnson, 1980; Lomas, 2019), we examined the following research question: what are the spatial metaphors used by PLMs to make sense of and conceptualize PWB?

Design: Through an interpretivist philosophical stance, we examined PWB using a qualitative, multi-method approach. This enabled in-depth inquiry of spatial metaphors and their framing of the subjective reality of PWB (Lomas, 2019).
Methods: Following ethical approval, purposive and snowball sampling assisted recruitment of 15 PLMs (male=13, female=2). Each PLM completed two semi-structured interviews and four weekly audio diaries. Data were analyzed via thematic narrative analysis.

Results: We constructed four narrative themes that reflected the spatial metaphors used by PLMs to conceptualize their experiences: PWB as a vertical ladder or depth (e.g., high and low, above and below), PWB as a balance or capacity (e.g., see-saw, battery), PWB through existential realization (e.g., growth, self-transcendence), and PWB as a collective phenomenon (e.g., emphasis on “we”).

Conclusions: Our work extends knowledge of how PLMs make sense of their PWB experiences. We call for scientist-practitioners to be cognizant of the conceptual complexities of PWB. Spatial metaphors may have implications for the educational (e.g., PWB curricular), metric (e.g., scale design for PWB), and strategic (e.g., use of language and metaphors in sport policy) application of PWB within and across organizational sport environments.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 3 Dec 2024
EventBritish Psychological Society Division of Sport and Exercise Psychology Annual Conference - Hilton Hotel, Belfast, United Kingdom
Duration: 3 Dec 20244 Dec 2024

Academic conference

Academic conferenceBritish Psychological Society Division of Sport and Exercise Psychology Annual Conference
Abbreviated titleBPS DSEP
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityBelfast
Period3/12/244/12/24

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