Erik Hofseth, Julie Voktor Pedersen, Geir Jordet and Tynke Toering
Department of Coaching and Psychology, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Norway
Citation
Hofseth, E., Voktor Pedersen, J., Jordet, G., Toering, T. (2017). Shame-coping in professional soccer players: An exploratory interview analysis. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 48(2), 111-132. doi:10.7352/IJSP.2017.48.111
Abstract
This study explored, using in-depth interviews, ways in which professional soccer players (N = 6, Mage = 25.33, SD = 4.44) experience and cope with shame following performance failures during matches, and while working on their weaknesses during training. Data was analyzed inductively and deductively using direct and conventional content analysis. Results showed that players were particularly likely to experience shame in response to performance failures during matches. They were found to employ specific problem-focused (learning) and emotionfocused coping strategies (“hiding”). At an intra-personal level, how players coped with shame seemed to have an influence on their performance and skill development.
Keywords: Coping, Expertise, Failure, Motivation, Shame, Soccer