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Updated: Jun 12, 2025

A Neuroscientific Approach to the Examination of Concussions in Student-Athletes
Published on: December 8, 2014
Self-Compassion and Willingness to Adhere to Return-to-Play Protocol Following Sport-Related Concussions
Kiera Wortley1, Benjamin J I Schellenberg2
1Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
Athletes with higher self-compassion are more likely to follow concussion recovery guidelines. Encouraging self-kindness may improve adherence to medical advice and return-to-play protocols for better concussion rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Psychology
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Improper concussion recovery prolongs symptoms and increases health risks for athletes.
- Identifying athlete profiles that influence adherence to medical guidance post-concussion is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that athletes with higher self-compassion are more willing to follow concussion recovery protocols.
- To investigate the relationship between self-compassion and adherence to medical advice in athletes.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving two samples of combat sport athletes (N=173 and N=172).
- Participants completed online surveys assessing self-compassion, likelihood of following concussion recovery recommendations, self-esteem, conscientiousness, and sport competitiveness.
Main Results:
- Self-compassion was positively associated with willingness to follow concussion recovery recommendations in both samples, even after controlling for covariates.
- Multiple regression analyses revealed significant positive associations (sample 1: β = 0.19, P = .039; sample 2: β = 0.20, P = .025).
- A mini meta-analysis confirmed this positive association (Mean r = .144, P = .004).
Conclusions:
- Highly self-compassionate athletes demonstrate greater willingness to adhere to medical advice and return-to-play protocols.
- Encouraging self-compassion during concussion recovery may enhance rehabilitation outcomes.
- This finding suggests a potential psychological intervention to improve concussion management in athletes.
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10:31A Multi-Modal Approach to Assessing Recovery in Youth Athletes Following Concussion
Published on: September 25, 2014
05:48Autonomic Function Following Concussion in Youth Athletes: An Exploration of Heart Rate Variability Using 24-hour Recording Methodology
Published on: September 21, 2018
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