A conceptual model of adaptation to retirement among athletes

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this article is to provide a new conceptualization of athletic retirement that incorporates prior considerations within and outside the sports domain. Drawing on previous theoretical work both within and outside of sport and current empirical research in the area, the present conceptualization offers a five-step model that examines adaptation to athletic retirement through its entire developmental course: (1) identify the causal factors that initiate the retirement process; (2) specify the factors related to adaptation to retirement; (3) describe the available resources that will affect the response to retirement; (4) indicate the quality of the adaptation to retirement; and (5) discuss the treatment issues for distressful reactions to retirement.