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.
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 language | English |
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Publication status | Published - 3 Dec 2024 |
Event | British Psychological Society Division of Sport and Exercise Psychology Annual Conference - Hilton Hotel, Belfast, United Kingdom Duration: 3 Dec 2024 → 4 Dec 2024 |
Academic conference
Academic conference | British Psychological Society Division of Sport and Exercise Psychology Annual Conference |
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Abbreviated title | BPS DSEP |
Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
City | Belfast |
Period | 3/12/24 → 4/12/24 |