The Silence of the Arena: A Phenomenological Inquiry into the Biopsychosocial Impact of Career-Threatening Injuries on Filipino Athletes

Proponent/s Name/s (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

• Agape Jane C. San Diego, De La Salle UniversityFollow
• Rodrigue L. Bernaldez, De La Salle UniversityFollow
• Sofia Beatrice T. Celis, De La Salle UniversityFollow
• Gabriel S. Sajoyan, De La Salle UniversityFollow
• Anghelo Nathaniel M. Sarmiento, De La Salle UniversityFollow
• Princess Lhian C. SimbulanFollow

Document Types

Paper Presentation

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Gender, Human Development, and the Individual (GHI)

School Name

De La Salle University

Track or Strand

Sports Track (SpT)

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Aquino, Marvin, A.

Start Date

25-6-2026 10:30 AM

End Date

25-6-2026 12:00 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

DLSU Laguna Campus (In-person) - Enrique K. Razon Jr. Hall - EKR 402

Abstract/Executive Summary

This study explored the lived experiences of Filipino athletes who sustained career threatening injuries and examined how these injuries affected their emotional well being, coping processes, lifestyle, and athletic identity. Despite the growing recognition of the psychological consequences of sports injuries, existing literature remained largely focused on physical rehabilitation and lacked culturally grounded qualitative insights regarding Filipino athletes. Guided by Lazarus and Folkman’s Stress and Coping Theory and Engel’s Biopsychosocial Model, the study aimed to understand how athletes cognitively appraised their injuries, what coping strategies and support systems they utilized, and how these experiences shaped their identity and adaptation during recovery. The study employed a transcendental phenomenological design rooted in constructivist epistemology. Using criterion based purposive sampling and snowball sampling, eight to twelve Filipino athletes who experienced career threatening injuries were recruited from university and competitive sports settings. Data were gathered through in depth semi structured interviews and analyzed using the Modified Stevick Colaizzi Keen method of phenomenological analysis. Findings revealed that career threatening injuries disrupted athletes’ physical abilities, emotional stability, daily routines, and sense of identity. Athletes experienced fear, grief, anxiety, and uncertainty, yet gradually adapted through rehabilitation efforts, emotional coping, spirituality, and social support from family, peers, and coaches. The study further revealed gaps in institutional and psychological support systems, highlighting the need for more holistic athlete centered recovery programs. Ultimately, the injury experience emerged as a transformative process that fostered resilience, identity reconstruction, and personal growth beyond sport.

Keywords

transcendental phenomenology; career-threatening injuries; biopsychosocial model; recovery and coping strategies; filipino athletes

Initial Consent for Publication

yes

Statement of Originality

yes