Borsa_Module_Psychology of Injury

Course Overview

  • Department: Applied Physiology and Kinesiology

  • Course Title: Human Pathophysiology for the Exercise Sciences

  • Instructor: Paul A. Borsa, PhD, ATC

Module Focus

  • Topic: Psychological Response to Injury

  • Institution: University of Florida (UF)

Learning Objectives

After completing this module, students will be able to:

  1. Outline the pathophysiological response to injury

  2. Construct and describe the components of the inflammatory cascade

  3. Differentiate between acute and chronic pain

  4. Describe the placebo effect as a therapeutic intervention

  5. Articulate the psychological response to injury

  6. Explain the tissue repair and recovery process after injury

Patho-Psychology of Injury

  • Nature of Response:

    • Not predictable like the physiological response

    • Injury acts as a potent stressor

    • Perception is reality in the context of injuries

    • Relationship between physical and psychological factors

    • Recognized stages of response

Psychology of the Injured Athlete

Injury as a Psychological Stressor

  1. Situation and Constraints of Injury

    • Influence of personality traits on injury response

    • Coping mechanisms employed

  2. Appraisal

    • Outlook on short-term and long-term implications

  3. Emotional Response

    • Range of emotions such as anger, anxiety, fear, optimism, and pessimism

  4. Consequences of Responses

    • Positive responses may lead to recovery

    • Negative responses may result in depression

Psychosocial Intervention

  • Treatment Approach:

    • Focus on treating the person, not just the injury

    • Provide emotional first aid

    • Effective communication to lower athlete's anxiety and fears

    • Importance of social support systems

    • Consider referrals to psychologists or coping specialists if necessary

Coping Mechanisms

  • Adaptation Strategies:

    • How athletes deal with pain and functional limitations

    • Use of appraisal and goal setting for recovery

    • Influence of personality traits and social support on responses

    • Support from Athletic Trainers (ATCs), coaching staff, and peers

  • Maladaptive Behaviors:

    • Fear avoidance: Avoidance of treatment due to fear of pain

    • Catastrophizing: Pessimistic outlook overall

Personality Traits as Risk Factors

  • Contributing Traits:

    • Aggressive vs. passive dispositions

    • Characteristics of extreme athletes (thrill-seekers)

  • Self-concept and Self-esteem:

    • Levels of esteem can impact responses to injury

  • Locus of Control (LOC):

    • Internal LOC: Belief that one controls their own outcomes

    • External LOC: Belief that outcomes are controlled by external factors

  • Symptom Expression:

    • Internalization vs. externalization of symptoms

Contact Information

  • For questions, please reach out to the instructor at:

    • Email: pborsa@ufl.edu