The Lived Experience of Concussion Injuries in Sport

Sports governing bodies, the media and athletes are all becoming increasingly vocal about concussion in sport and the potential for this to generate longer term neurocognitive decline. While considerable effort has been devoted to establishing the incidence of concussion injuries, developing tools for more accurate diagnosis and creating awareness campaigns to inform athletes, coaches and parents, little work has so far been conducted into how athletes understand what is meant by concussion, react to the symptoms of the condition, and reflect on the decisions made to play or withdraw from sport when concussion is suspected.

Consequently, applications are invited to undertake a sociological study of athletes’ experiences of concussion. This doctoral thesis will build on the sociological study of pain and injury in sport, as well as theories of ‘illness behaviour’ to provide a comprehensive analysis of the lived experience of concussion. The particular sport or sports to be studied will be shaped by the successful applicant’s sporting knowledge, experience and by contacts that develop as part of the study.

Ideally applicants should hold a Masters or very good undergraduate degree and have a good grounding in the social scientific study of sport or health and illness. Previous experience of conducting qualitative research will be an advantage, particularly in sporting or healthcare contexts. It is envisaged that the project will entail the use of ethnographic research and/or interviews.

Find out more: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/ssehs/staff/dominic-malcolm/

Entry Requirements
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in the social scientific study of sport or health and illness.

A relevant Master’s degree and / or experience in one or more of the following will be an advantage: Previous experience of conducting qualitative research, particularly in sporting or healthcare contexts. It is envisaged that the project will entail the use of ethnographic research and/or interviews.