SPORT PSYCHOLOGY AND IT'S APPLICATION TO RECOVERY FROM CHILDBIRTH: A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS
Loading...
Authors
SZJTA-DE GROOT, ALEXANDRA
Issue Date
2000
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to discover the best strategies for helping new mothers establish renewed physical and psychological well-being. Seven mothers participated in a 30 minute interview in order to assess and analyze helpful strategies. The interviews were coded for common themes and placed into three major themes: Personal time, social support and energy levels. It was hypothesized that new mothers recovering from childbirth have a unique set of circumstances that make exercise adherence more difficult than women without children. The findings from this study suggest that the combination of motherhood and career is an overwhelming transition for women and therefore time for exercise is limited. Several factors seem to help with allowing for more time in a "hectic schedule". The first factor is social support. If family and friends assist with childcare, the "overwhelming responsibilities" of motherhood become easier to take on and therefore free time might be available for exercise. Another helpful factor is choosing to exercise in a convenient location. Examples of this would be walking in the neighborhood or exercising at home. A fitness trainer may also be helpful with using the motivational tool of goal setting.