Abstract
Self-compassion is relatively a new psychological construct that could help elite athletes to positively deal/cope with negative experiences.
To evaluate the construct of self-compassion as a means to address negative factors related to South Korean student athletes' early retirement, the current study narratively reviewed self-compassion, which has been shown to be an effective means to positively influence individuals' psychological well-being.
This study critically analyzed and narratively reviewed self-compassion in order to apply the construct to help Korean student athletes cope with the negative factors of early retirement. In addition, the study conducted an unsystematic narrative review (see Green, Johnson, & Adam, 2006) to summarize the contents of previously published data.
Self-compassion consists of three elements that include self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. Self-compassion involves being open and touched by one's own suffering and offering non-judgmental understanding, patient, and kindness, recognizing that all humans are imperfect, can fail, and make mistakes. Previous studies have commonly utilized the construct as a tool for addressing elite athletes' injuries, setback, emotional pains, and eudaimonic well-being. However, self-compassion has never been discussed by Korean researchers (in the elite sports context).
The Major reasons for Korean student athletes' early retirement are injuries, stresses of training, competition, future career aspiration, pressures to succeed, or/and loss of enjoyment(interest). Self-compassion could be one of the means by elite athletes that positively deal or cope with the negative factors of their early retirement. The current study would introduce the new psychological concept to Korean research and contribute to promoting research on self-compassion related to Korean student and elite athletes.
