Logo image
Realizing, adapting, and thriving in career transitions from gymnastics to contemporary circus arts
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Realizing, adapting, and thriving in career transitions from gymnastics to contemporary circus arts

F.E.C.A. van Rens and E. Filho
Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology, Vol.14(2), pp.127-148
2020
url
Link to Published Version *Subscription may be requiredView

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the career transition experiences of elite gymnasts who became professional circus artists. Eight (inter)national level gymnasts who worked as circus artists were interviewed. Using a constructionist approach to thematic data analysis, we identified a three-phase career transition process. High levels of psychological resilience characteristics were required in the first, “realizing” phase (i.e., motivation, hard work, social support, and optimism). The second, “adapting” phase involved balancing context-specific demands which included general stress, a loss of competence, social adjustment, taking calculated risks, and physical recovery. The third, “thriving” phase involved experiences of freedom, personal development, and social connectedness. During the career transition, changes from an athletic to circus artist identity were experienced. Practitioners are encouraged to support the psychological resilience and experiences of autonomy among circus artists during their career transitions. This is expected to facilitate circus artists’ wellbeing, safety, and career longevity.

Details

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being

Source: InCites

Metrics

InCites Highlights

These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output

Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
International collaboration
Citation topics
1 Clinical & Life Sciences
1.172 Sports Science
1.172.1331 Sport Psychology
Web Of Science research areas
Psychology, Applied
ESI research areas
Psychiatry/Psychology
Logo image