Exploring Injury Trauma in Rugby Players Using a Grounded Theory Approach

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine specific processes, such as the causes of injury trauma, the dynamics of relationships before and after injuries, and the necessary conditions for developing strategies for rugby players. This will be done using grounded theory, a qualitative research method.BR Method: A total of seven rugby players from at University A in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, were selected for this study using the theoretical sampling method. In-depth interviews were conducted using measurement tools, open-ended questionnaires, and interview guidelines. The data obtained through in-depth interviews were analyzed according to the analysis procedure outlined by of Strauss & Corbin (1990 and 1998). The analysis procedure consists of three stages: open coding, axial coding, and selective coding.BR Results: First, through open coding, 52 concepts, 17 subcategories, and 8 categories were identified. Second, the result-oriented phenomenon of axis coding and paradigm model was characterized as ‘problematic performance’. The causal condition, which is the cause of the central phenomenon, was found to be ‘injury’. The contextual conditions were ‘similar motion’ and ‘similar environment’. In addition, ‘efforts to adapt to the environment’ were used as an interaction stratgey to address the central phenomenon, and the intervention conditions that facilitated this were identified as ‘finding a way to overcome’. The final results indicated that ‘psychological difficulties persist’ but can be overcome over time. Third, the core category derived from selective coding, which is the category that forms the central axis and builds the theory in grounded theory, was identified as the ‘persistent injury trauma phenomenon.’ Through the core category, it was possible to identify how rugby players experience psychological distress due to injury trauma and how they manage and cope with these challenges.BR Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the different proecsses related to injury trauma in rugby players, including the causes, the dynamics before and after the injury, and the essential conditions for developing effective coping strategies. It contributes to a deeper understanding of how rugby players experience and overcome psychological challenges related to injuries.