Research

Citation: Moss, S. (2010, May 10). Johnny Wilkinson: 'I had to be perfect in everyone's eyes. It was so tiring'. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/may/10/jonny-wilkinson-rugby-injuries-toulon

Themes: Fear of failure; perfectionism is outcome-based; injuries; and identity loss.

License : CC-BY

Learning outcome for class reading assignment– Students will identify examples of maladaptive (unhealthy) perfectionism in the article, as well as describe how Johnny Wilkinson developed a healthier approach towards perfection in his sport. 

Citation: Brown, M. (2020, January 2). Striving for perfection can help athletes bounce back from failure – if they forgive themselves, research shows. Folio. https://www.folio.ca/striving-for-perfection-can-help-athletes-bounce-back-from-failureif-they-forgive-themselves-research-shows/

Abstract: University of Alberta Study: Investigating perfectionism and performance after failure in competitive athletics. 

License: CC-BY 4.0

Citation: School of Life. (2017). A Self-Compassion Exercise. [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kfUE41-JFw

Abstract: This informative video explores self-compassion through practices and interventions, focusing on correcting or intercepting negative internal voices and creating positive self-care by integrating a six-step SC process. Examples include, Step 1: encourages us to reframe challenges as opportunities for growth. Step 2: examines family history and our upbringing. Step 3: reminds us that failure is common and guides us to overcome setbacks with self-care. Step 4: acknowledges luck and the limits of our control. Step 5: our self-worth does not depend on external factors. Step 6: decreasing expectations.

License: CC-BY

Citation: Gilchrist, J. [SSHRC-CRSH]. (2018). Self-Compassion Protects Against Negative Emotions in Sport. (Video). Youtube. www.youtube.com/watch?v=SftzbqwHCXk

Abstract: Video describes research taken of 580 adolescent female athletes over 3 years and how SC positively affected young girls staying in sport; SC was seen as a protective factor against body-image guilt and shame. 

License: CC-BY

Citation: Sereda, B. [An Introduction to Self-Compassion]. (2021). Self-Compassion- A Potential Resource in Dance [Video]. Youtube. www.youtube.com/watch?v=WK6zssiOHLs

Abstract: Introduces how SC can be applied in one’s life by incorporating mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindness; Video discusses SC being associated with body image appreciation and lower levels of anxiety. 

Related Resource: Self-Compassion for the Female Athlete Podcast [Found in Coaching and Sport Psychology - Area of Research] - Dr. Amber Mosewich and Dr. Leah Ferguson discuss the concept of Common Humanity  at 8:57min-10:00min of the Podcast. 

License: CC-BY

Citation: Emery, C. (2020, May 26). Concussion affects 1 in 10 youth athletes every year. Here's what needs to be done. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/concussion-affects-1-in-10-youth-athletes-every-year-heres-what-needs-to-change-130061

Abstract: The article discusses the high incidence of sport-related concussions among youth, including rugby, ice hockey, and football. Prevention measures include rule changes, training strategies, equipment recommendations, and policy changes regarding legal body checking in hockey, beginning at 13 years old.

License: CC-BY-ND

Citation: The Players' Tribune. (2018, September 27). USC Athletes on What Makes a Body Beautiful [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6ab3hdUXis 

Abstract: A group of female university athletes discuss their own individual experiences when coping with societal pressures to conform to an ideal body type, while navigating the physical challenges necessary to excel in their sport. Central themes include social comparisons within athletics, changing attitudes towards food, the impact of social media, and developing self-acceptance. 

Message: ‘Don’t just look at my body. See my Game’.

License: CC-BY

Citation: Creighton, J. (2014, May 31).  England midfielder Fara Williams: I was homeless for six years. BBC News.  https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/27644997

Abstract:  Fara Williams, England’s most capped women’s football (soccer) player, is an example of how sport can transform lives. Williams discusses how she spent six years living on the streets or in hostels before achieving success in her career. Her story highlights perspectives on people experiencing homelessness (i.e. feeling judged, or family breakdown leading to homelessness), but also shows how sport can serve as a motivating path out of poverty and towards accomplishment.

License:  bbc.co.uk – © copyright [2014] BBC (Non-Commercial Use).

Citation: Reynolds, Tom. (April 5, 2019). Efe Obada: The NFL Star Abandoned on London's Streets at Age of 10. BBC Sport. https://www.bbc.com/sport/american-football/47819317

Abstract: Efe Obada’s inspiring story began when he immigrated from Nigeria to London with his family at the age of eight. By ten years old, he and his sister experienced homelessness and spent their childhood in ten different foster homes. While employed at a factory in England, Obada was offered the opportunity to play football as part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program, despite never playing competitive sports before. Through perseverance, attitude, and dedication, Obada successfully established a career within the NFL and found a sense of belonging in a sport that provided him with a renewed purpose in life.

License: bbc.co.uk – © copyright [2019] BBC (Non-Commercial)

Citation: Olympic Museum. (n.d). www.olympics.com/museum/

Abstract: The comprehensive website offers a collection of resources for educators, academics, and students interested in exploring the history of the Olympic Games from the beginning to the present day. The site features materials on the Paralympics and Youth Olympics, including selected videos, athlete interviews, and sports documentaries appropriate for both primary and secondary school students. The platform also provides academic content about the Ancient Olympic Games, for example, along with information and facts on sports from around the world, Olympic values, sports photography, the importance of the Olympic flame, the meaning of the Five Rings, and inspiring Olympic stories.

License: Publicly Available website. 

A Note from KOREN: Educators should be aware that certain research resources available on the website may be subject to various copyright licenses. It is important to verify that all resources used comply with their respective copyright attributions.

Citation: Anonymous. (2008, January 25). A perfect 10? Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. https://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/society-societe/stories-histoires/story-histoire-eng.aspx?story_id=37

Abstract: Dr. John Dunn discusses the motivations behind healthy and unhealthy perfectionism and explains how athletic identity is closely related to performance. Short Extract: Research by Dr. Dunn and University of Alberta graduate students examined American collegiate athletes, concluding that unhealthy perfectionism is associated with lower self-esteem in both males and females.

License:  CC-BY

Citation: Borutski, Zach. (2016, January 27). Feature: Healthy Perfectionism. The Gateway. https://thegatewayonline.ca/2016/01/feature-healthy-perfectionism/

Abstract: Describes behaviors associated with maladaptive and adaptive perfectionism within the context of “Student Life on Campus”. 

License  - CC-BY