Abstract
Previous research has indicated that experiences of emotional abuse exist in sport (Gervis & Dunn, 2004; Gravely & Cochran, 1995; Kirby, Greaves & Hankivsky, 2000; Stirling & Kerr, 2007, 2008), and that emotionally abusive coaching practices are often rationalized as a necessary means for athlete development (Palframan, 1994; Stirling & Kerr, 2007, 2009; Tomlinson & Yorganci, 1997). Interestingly, no previous studies have examined the influence of emotionally abusive coaching practices on the development of athletic expertise. This article presents athlete's perceptions of the influence of emotionally abusive coaching practices on their development in sport. Methods were established in congruence with the methodology of grounded theory. Data were gleaned from open-ended interviews with 14 retired elite athletes, 6 males and 8 females, from a variety of sports. Recorded interview sessions were transcribed verbatim and themes were coded from the transcripts using open, axial, and selective coding techniques (Strauss & Corbin, 1998). The data were interpreted to suggest that athletes' experiences of emotional abuse were perceived to influence their motivation, self-confidence, commitment, and achievement outcomes in sport. Several findings are supported by previous research. Recommendations are made for future research.
