Abstract
Objectives:
Psychological well-being (PWB) is inextricably linked to the social context people are situated within (Lomas & VanderWeele, 2022). Qualitative researchers have frequently identified the importance of relationships to the PWB of sport performers. Yet little attention has been paid to how interpersonal, rather than individual, experiences can be judged as ‘good’ in their own terms. Nor has methodological progress aligned to this intersubjective experience. This presentation considers the value of interpersonal interviews for advancing knowledge on PWB among sport performers.
Methods:
This presentation draws on two qualitative empirical studies wherein the author has used interpersonal interviews to focus on PWB. The first study comprised three triadic interviews with the coach-athlete-sport psychology practitioner triad. Study two focused on the PWB experiences of three mixed doubles badminton partnerships using dyadic interviews.
Findings and Discussion:
The author considers three methodological reflections: 1) understanding relational dynamics (e.g., distinguishing agency and communion), 2) redescribing and retelling stories (e.g., through carefully crafted questions and prompts), and 3) axiological considerations (e.g., recognizing value judgements, solipsistic and immoral interview experiences). These reflections underline the promise and pitfalls for researchers using interpersonal interviews to comprehend the intersubjective complexities of PWB in sport.
Conclusions:
This presentation considers the value of interpersonal interviews in advancing knowledge of PWB among sport performers. Future research should carefully align their methodology to the research questions posed and anticipate potential sensitivities. Harnessing the profound story-telling opportunities afforded while carefully negotiating the axiological ‘shades of grey’ that may define understandings of PWB through these methods.
Psychological well-being (PWB) is inextricably linked to the social context people are situated within (Lomas & VanderWeele, 2022). Qualitative researchers have frequently identified the importance of relationships to the PWB of sport performers. Yet little attention has been paid to how interpersonal, rather than individual, experiences can be judged as ‘good’ in their own terms. Nor has methodological progress aligned to this intersubjective experience. This presentation considers the value of interpersonal interviews for advancing knowledge on PWB among sport performers.
Methods:
This presentation draws on two qualitative empirical studies wherein the author has used interpersonal interviews to focus on PWB. The first study comprised three triadic interviews with the coach-athlete-sport psychology practitioner triad. Study two focused on the PWB experiences of three mixed doubles badminton partnerships using dyadic interviews.
Findings and Discussion:
The author considers three methodological reflections: 1) understanding relational dynamics (e.g., distinguishing agency and communion), 2) redescribing and retelling stories (e.g., through carefully crafted questions and prompts), and 3) axiological considerations (e.g., recognizing value judgements, solipsistic and immoral interview experiences). These reflections underline the promise and pitfalls for researchers using interpersonal interviews to comprehend the intersubjective complexities of PWB in sport.
Conclusions:
This presentation considers the value of interpersonal interviews in advancing knowledge of PWB among sport performers. Future research should carefully align their methodology to the research questions posed and anticipate potential sensitivities. Harnessing the profound story-telling opportunities afforded while carefully negotiating the axiological ‘shades of grey’ that may define understandings of PWB through these methods.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 11-12 |
| Number of pages | 2 |
| Publication status | Published - 30 Jul 2024 |
| Event | 9th International Conference on Qualitative Research in Sport and Exercise - University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom Duration: 29 Jul 2024 → 1 Aug 2024 https://www.qrsesoc.com/ecr-and-student-conference |
Academic conference
| Academic conference | 9th International Conference on Qualitative Research in Sport and Exercise |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | QRSE 2024 |
| Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
| City | Bath |
| Period | 29/07/24 → 1/08/24 |
| Internet address |
Keywords
- psychological well-being
- Interpersonal Interviews
- positive psychology