How Retired Professional Cheerleaders Adjust to Retirement

How retired professional cheerleaders (NFL and NBA) adjust to retirement was examined in the present qualitative research study. The study utilized conventional content analysis of semi-structured interviews, where 15 participants were interviewed. All participants were female, over the age of 18, retired for more than one year, and were not currently training for the upcoming NFL or NBA audition season. The data was then analyzed, and nine common themes emerged related to the participants' experiences. The results yielded themes related to: 1) seeking recognition and validation, 2) body image, 3) fear of losing the professional cheerleader identity, 4) mending interpersonal relationships, 5) reevaluation of retirement decision, 6) retirement decision based on career and family, 7) age playing a push factor, 8) self-reflective process of a new identity, and 9) avoidance of retirement planning. The research study suggests how sport psychology consultants can use psychoeducation and sport psychology preventative measures to lessen the impact of psychological challenges professional cheerleaders experience in retirement