Self-Cultivation and Meaning through the Experience of Injury Rehabilitation: A Case Study of Two Female Basketball Players

This case study involved interviewing athletes who had sustained moderate to severe injuries about the experience of being injured and the potential for self-cultivation and meaning synthesized through recovering from an injury. Two female intercollegiate basketball players were interviewed at the beginning of their rehabilitation and again at the end after successfully recovering and returning to sport. Data analysis revealed unique characteristics about the rehabilitation process with respect to loss of control, social support and learning about their confidence, motivation, perseverance, attitude, and resiliency. This article examines the experiences of these athletes as they navigated through the rehabilitation process and highlights the potential for the creation of a positive learning experience and self-cultivation that injured athletes can discover through the experience of recovering from an injury