BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY:
Psychological well-being refers to an person’s subjective experience of
affirmative psychological states, such as pleasure, life fulfilment, and a sense
of purpose. It is a holistic theory that encompasses different traits of a
person’s mental and emotional health, including positive relationships,
personal growth and development, positive self-esteem and self-acceptance,
and a feeling of being in charge of one’s life. Simply said, psychological well-
being is about feeling good about oneself and one’s life, having satisfying
relationships and a sense of purpose, and feeling capable of managing life’s
challenges. It is a multi-faceted construct that goes beyond just the absence
of mental ailment and encompasses a person’s overall sense of happiness,
contentment, and fulfilment in life. Psychological wellbeing is a crucial aspect
of a person’s overall health and happiness. It refers to a state of mind where
an individual experiences positive emotions, positive psychological
functioning, and a feeling of meaning and purpose in life. The definition of
psychological wellbeing is an area of debate among researchers. However,
the World Health Organization (WHO) defines psychological wellbeing as “a
state of mind in which an individual is able to develop their potential, work
productively, and creatively, and is able to cope with the normal stresses of
life” (WHO, 2021). This definition highlights the multidimensional nature of
psychological wellbeing, with the presence of affirmative emotions,
psychological functioning, and a sense of purpose and significance in life.
Definitions and Dimensions of Psychological Well-being to define
psychological well-being in a clear and straightforward manner is one of the
major issues facing this field of Study. Ryff (1989) identified six
characteristics of psychological well-being: self-acceptance, autonomy,
environmental Mastery, personal progress, and pleasant connections. These
characteristics are a person’s sense of self. Diener et al. (2010) defined
psychological well-being as a subjective evaluation of one’s life that is
categorized by affirmative emotions, engagement, and meaning. This
definition encompasses a broad range of positive experiences, Including
happiness, satisfaction, and a sense of fulfilment. Similar to this, Seligman
(2002) put out the idea of “positive psychology,” which sees psychological
well-being as a Confluence of fulfilment and enjoyment. This definition
acknowledges that happiness is characterized by positive Emotions,
pleasure, and a sense of meaning and purpose in life rather than just the
absence of unpleasant feelings. Football is the most popular sport worldwide,
played by athletes of all ages, associated with a high level of injury. Injuries
occur during football matches and practice because of a high-speed
combination and full contact. Football is also called the Soccer game where
two team players 11 and 90 minutes of the game, the match is divided two
45 and a half minutes with a 15-minute break period. Football players use
their body parts except their hands and arms try to stop the ball into the
opposing team’s goal. In, football goalkeeper is only a player who can use
the hand to handle the ball only in the penalty area around the goal. The
cause of injury is around 80% traumatic injury and 20% overuse. Lower limbs
are most commonly affected by ankle accounting up to one third of all
injuries. The ankle injury reaction includes a reduced level of physical activity
and durability, and lost game time.
Football injuries is most commonly Affecting the knee, ankle joints muscles,
and ligaments of the thigh and calf. Most commonly affected are the lower
extremity 61% to 90%. In football, the most common
Type of injuries are contusions, sprains, and strains. While head injury occurs
4% to 24% of all football injuries. All types of head injuries including facial
fractures, lacerations, and eye injuries also found. It is caused by a direct
blow to the head, face, neck, and player-to-player contact, acute Injuries
occur during football games and practice due to the combination of high
speed and full contact while, overuse Injury can occur due to biomechanical
abnormalities, decreased rest or faulty playing technic.
The authors of different studies showed in their result that the incidence of
Football injuries range from 0.5 to 45
Injury studies are essential for ensuring the health and safety of young
football players and for providing evidence-based preventive interventions.
In youth football, Data is generally collected during a couple of seasons or
tournaments. However, inconsistent study results with respect to the age
and skill level investigated, injury definitions and methodologies make
comparative analysis complicated. The past several decades have seen the
exponential growth of sports as an expected extracurricular for Younger
children. Similarly, implications of growing mental health problems have
emerged globally Alongside the advancement of widespread technology and
the recognition of the importance of psychological Well-being in the
adolescent population. As sports continue to develop into a significant aspect
of social
Communication and involvement in a community, issues surrounding injury
arise simultaneously.
Disturbances in physical and mental growth during this crucial and sensitive
period for adolescents raise the question of neuropsychological development
as well.
In the United States, approximately 60 million children and Adolescents
participate in organized sports, with 3.5 million
Injuries resulting in time lost from sport per year. High School sport
participation has increased dramatically in recent.Decades, growing from 4
million participants in the 1971 to 1972 school year to a nearly 8 million in
2018 to 2019. From a public health perspective, physical activity has
tremendous physical and mental health benefits in childhood and adulthood,
and adolescents who are physically active tend to be more active throughout
their lives. As time spent im physical education and free play continues to
decrease, organized sports have become the primary mode for children and
adolescents to obtain the amount of physical activity recommended for
physical and psychosocial health benefits ( Adolescent participation in
football is positively correlated with multiple indicators of physical health,
decreased anger, positive developmental outcomes, increased sleep, and a
more varied diet. Furthermore, football participation has a beneficial effect
on depression symptoms, hopelessness and suicidality, stress, and
competence-based self-esteem in adolescents.
Nonetheless, football participation also has an associated risk of injury that
threatens the short- and long-term overall health of athletes. Athletic injuries
are concerning not only because of the pain and disability from the injury
themselves but also because more severe injuries can result in time lost from
sport participation, school, and other important activities for adolescents.
Psychological responses following injury can include negative emotions, fear
of re-injury, lack of confidence, failure-based depression, mood disturbance,
devastation, restlessness, and feelings of being cheated. Sport participation
is also an important social activity for adolescents, and the loss of social
connections following injury may have long-term impacts on psychosocial
health. There is growing vidence in adults that injuries can significantly
impair quality of life beyond physical function, and that they increase the risk
of a number of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and
post-traumatic stress disorder.
In traditional African societies, sports and physical activities were integral to
cultural and community life. Injuries were often treated with herbal remedies
and spiritual interventions. Psychological well-being was fostered through
community support and social bonding. During the colonial period, Western
sports, including football, were introduced to Africa. The focus shifted from
traditional sports to Western-style competitive sports. Injuries became more
common, and psychological well-being was often neglected. As African
countries gained independence, sports development programs were
established. Football became a popular sport, and injuries increased.
Psychological well-being was still not a priority, but some countries started to
develop sports psychology services. In recent years, there has been growing
recognition of the importance of psychological well-being in African football.
Research has highlighted the impact of injuries on young football players’
mental health. Organizations like the Confederation of African Football (CAF)
and the African Union have launched initiatives to promote sports psychology
and mental health support. In pre-colonial Nigeria, traditional sports and
physical activities were an integral part of cultural and community life. These
activities included wrestling, hunting, and farming. Injuries were treated with
herbal remedies and spiritual interventions. Traditional healers used various
methods, including rituals, sacrifices, and herbal concoctions, to treat
injuries. Psychological well-being was fostered through community support
and social bonding.
Statement of problem:
The prevalence of psychological well-being issues due to injury among young
football players is a significant concern that warrants attention from coaches,
trainers, parents, and mental health professionals. Research has consistently
shown that injuries can have a profound impact on the mental health and
well-being of young athletes, leading to increased symptoms of anxiety,
depression, and decreased self-esteem. This study tends to focus on the
prevalence of psychological well being due to injury among young football
players.
Research Questions:
The following research questions were raised to guide the study:
1. What is the prevalence of psychological well-being issues (anxiety,
depression, stress) among young football players who have experienced
injuries?
2. What are the factors that contribute to psychological distress among
young football players who have experienced injuries?
3. What are the effects of injuries on the mental health and well-being of
young football players?
Research Objectives:
Generally this study set out to:
1. investigate the prevalence of psychological well-being issues among
young football players who have experienced injuries.
2. identify the factors that contribute to psychological distress among young
football players who have experienced injuries.
3. examine the effects of injuries on the mental health and well-being of
young football players.
SCOPE OF THE STUDY:
The research specifically focused or centered on the prevalence of
psychological well-being issues due to injury among young football players
using (Plateau United Players as a case study)
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The significance of this study lies in its potential to contribute to the existing
body of knowledge on the psychological impact of injuries on young football
players. The findings of this study can have important implications for
coaches, trainers, parents, and mental health professionals working with
young football players.
DEFINITION/EXPLANATION OF VARIABLES
Psychological well-being (PWB): Psychological well-being refers to a positive
state of mental health, characterized by happiness, life satisfaction, and
emotional stability. Psychological well-being encompasses various aspects of
mental health, including positive emotions, life satisfaction, emotional
stability, resilience, and self-acceptance. Psychological well-being is a
multifaceted construct that encompasses both positive and negative aspects
of mental health” (Keyes, 2017). It involves experiencing positive emotions,
such as happiness, joy, and contentment (Fredrickson, 2001). Feeling
satisfied with one’s life, including relationships, work, and leisure activities
(Diener et al., 1985).
Injury: An injury refers to any physical harm or damage that occurs to a
young football player’s body, affecting their physical and psychological well-
being. Injuries can be acute (e.g., fractures, sprains) or chronic (e.g., overuse
injuries), and can vary in severity. Injuries can impact young football players’
psychological well-being by causing pain, discomfort, and emotional distress.
“Injuries can have a significant impact on an athlete’s psychological well-
being, including increased stress, anxiety, and depression” (Brewer & Selby,
2017).
Emotional Response to Injury: Emotional response to injury refers to the
emotional reactions and experiences of young football players following an
injury. Emotional responses to injury can include feelings of anxiety,
depression, frustration, and anger. These emotional responses can impact
psychological well-being by influencing coping strategies, motivation, and
overall mental health. “Emotional responses to injury can play a critical role
in determining an athlete’s psychological well-being and overall adjustment
to the injury” (Brewer & Selby, 2017).
Social Support: Social support refers to the perceived availability and
provision of emotional, informational, and practical support from significant
others, such as family, friends, and coaches. Social support can moderate
the relationship between injury and psychological well-being by providing a
buffer against stress, anxiety, and depression. “Social support can play a
critical role in facilitating an athlete’s recovery and promoting their
psychological well-being following an injury” (Brewer & Selby, 2017).
Demographic Characteristics : Demographic characteristics refer to
individual differences in age, sex, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.
Demographic characteristics can influence psychological well-being and
emotional responses to injury. For example, younger athletes may be more
vulnerable to emotional distress following an injury. “Demographic
characteristics can play a significant role in shaping an athlete’s
psychological response to injury” (Brewer & Selby, 2017).
THEORETICAL REVIEW:
Over the years, several theories have developed by a number of authors and
this theories relate to this research, this theories include:-
Here are some prominent theories of psychological well-being, along with
their authors, explanations, and citations:
Self-Determination Theory:
(SDT): Edward Deci and Richard Ryan developed this theory. This theory
proposes that psychological well-being is achieved through satisfaction of
three innate psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and
relatedness (Deci & Ryan, 2000). Autonomy refers to feeling a sense of
volition and control over one's life. Competence refers to feeling effective
and capable in achieving desired outcomes. Relatedness refers to feeling
connected and valued by others.
Positive Psychology:
Martin Seligman and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi developed this theory. Positive
psychology focuses on promoting mental well-being through positive
emotions, strengths, and resilience (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000).
This approach emphasizes the development of positive emotions, such as
gratitude, joy, and love, and encourages individuals to cultivate their
strengths and virtues.
Flourishing Theory:
Martin Seligman proposed this theory. Flourishing theory proposes that
psychological well-being is achieved through a combination of positive
emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment
(Seligman, 2011). This approach emphasizes the importance of living a
meaningful and purposeful life.
Broaden-and-Build Theory:
Barbara Fredrickson developed this theory. Broaden-and-build theory
proposes that positive emotions broaden an individual's attention, cognition,
and behavior, leading to increased psychological well-being (Fredrickson,
2001). This approach emphasizes the importance of cultivating positive
emotions, such as joy, gratitude, and love.
5. Eudaimonic Theory:
Alan Waterman developed this theory. Eudaimonic theory proposes that
psychological well-being is achieved through living a virtuous and meaningful
life (Waterman, 1993). This approach emphasizes the importance of
cultivating virtues, such as wisdom, courage, and justice.
6. Ryff's Six-Factor Model:
Carol Ryff developed this theory. Ryff's six-factor model proposes that
psychological well-being is achieved through six factors: autonomy,
environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relations, purpose in life,
and self-acceptance (Ryff, 1989). This approach emphasizes the importance
of cultivating these six factors to achieve psychological well-being.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs:
Abraham Maslow proposed this theory. Maslow's hierarchy of needs
proposes that human beings have different levels of needs, with self-
actualization being the highest level (Maslow, 1943). This approach
emphasizes the importance of meeting basic needs before pursuing higher-
level needs.
Rogers' Person-Centered Theory:
Carl Rogers proposed this theory. Rogers' person-centered theory proposes
that psychological well-being is achieved through self-actualization,
unconditional positive regard, and empathy (Rogers, 1951). This approach
emphasizes the importance of cultivating a positive self-image and living an
authentic life.
