The brain and beyond in the aftermath of head trauma - a systems view of development for contact sport athletes

Abstract

The most recent attention raised regarding the developmental struggles some contact sport athletes face has turned to examining the effects of exposure to head trauma. Specifically, the presence of a singular neuropathology, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), has been found in the brains of dozens of deceased former contact sport athletes who suffered a range of debilitating symptoms. Research into the etiology, course, and effects of CTE has revealed vital findings into understanding the diverse range of behavioral, somatic, cognitive, motor, and affective symptoms experienced by these athletes. However, scientists examining CTE have likewise acknowledged that many of these symptoms do not occur until several years (approximately 6–15) after contact sport athletes leave their careers and the field of play. Coincidentally, alongside the findings in CTE research, an examination of the psychosocial struggles athletes face upon career transition and retirement has revealed a variety of symptoms similar to the range revealed in patients who have been diagnosed with CTE. This paper will provide a selective literature review of the approximately 50 years of research conducted on these psychosocial struggles. The focus of this review will be specifically on how the loss of identity, the breakdown of social structures, and the reinforcement of violent tendencies can play a significant role in exacerbating a similar range of symptoms to CTE.

Keywords

• cte
• head trauma
• contact sport athletes
• athletic career transition
• psychosocial struggles