ABSTRACT
Athletes are stronger, quicker and presumably sturdier than the rest of the people. The psychology of sports injury is complex. This chapter sets the scene for the coach's and performer's questions by addressing three main areas: the question of injury proneness in sport, emotional responses to injury and their impact on healing and finally the role of mental skills in the rehabilitation process. The stress–injury model is particularly important in highlighting some key psychological factors behind the incidence of injuries: personality, history of stressors and daily hassles, coping resources, cognitive-behavioural stress management techniques and stress response. Performers with well-developed and effective methods of coping with both life stresses and daily hassles appear to be less vulnerable to injury. It is advised that as the performer approaches returning to play, beware that physical and psychological readiness are not the same thing. Set up challenges that allow the performer to confirm her readiness.
