Perceptions of pain and coping strategies of outrigger canoe paddlers

Abstract

Ability of an athlete to withstand high levels of pain is an important quality if they are to excel within their sport (Scott & Gijsbers, 1981). Self-regulation and the impact of pain on an athlete depends upon their coping strategies and ability to reduce or minimise its effects (Turk & Rudy, 1992). This research explored the perceptions of pain that outrigger canoeists experienced whilst competing, and the cognitive strategies they used to cope with pain. Specifically it was hypothesized that the catastrophising subscale on the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (Rosensteil & Keefe, 1983) will be significantly correlated with perceptions of pain. Gender will be explored to determine if variance occurs on perception of pain. Further the relationships between self-efficacy and perceived pain will be considered.