2012 Volume 39 Issue 1 Pages 1-14
Athletes alike continually endure stresses and pressures during the four-year preparation period between Olympic competitions. Olympians often need support for their psychological problems. However, athletes' experiences of such support have not been fully elucidated. This study clarified Olympian's experiences and psychological changes from their interview. In addition, according the result we discussed what kind of psychological supports Olympian needs in the future. We interviewed three, two time Olympic athletes, who did not achieve their Olympic goals and analyzed their experiences using the Trajectory Equifinality Model (TEM). Results showed that the athletes were influenced by social expectations, as well as by their relationship with coaches, teammates, and others. throughout Olympic campaigns. The results also revealed that there were psychological processes by events and the influences of society surrounding the athlete. Four characteristics of psychological support required by Olympic athletes were identified sequentially: (1) change of the competition environment, (2) surge of social attention, (3) environmental changes before the Olympics, and (4) giving meaning to the Olympics. The results also indicated that (3) and (4) were the most significant aspects of support.
