social pain in hockey
Social pain, which refers to the distress experienced from social rejection, isolation, or loss of social connection (Novembre et al. 2015), can be particularly salient in competitive sports environments, including among masters-aged athletes. We see it all the time in masters hockey where the mixed abilities of most playing groups lends itself to expressions of frustration and inadequacy often catalysed by more adept players being ignorant of the social effects of their behavior on more vulnerable individuals. Many of the individuals who experience this kind of marginalization and social pain quietly vote with their feet. Playing numbers dwindle and competitions decline as teams deregister due to player withdrawal.
Is social pain real?
Novembere, Zanon and Silani (2015) discovered "social pain" triggers the same brain areas as physical pain. Their research indicated that observing someone else experience social pain also produces a comparable empathetic response in the brain, mimicking the sensation of physical discomfort for most participants. In most people, at least with those who have trouble reading social cues the ability to more immediately respond empathetically may be impeded somewhat albeit without malice or forethought.
In general, social pain can arise from various experiences, such as feeling excluded from social groups or activities, facing rejection, being bullied, or dealing with the illness or death of a loved one, as well as undergoing a romantic breakup. In masters hockey, non selection in teams, being shunned in training and games ( not being trusted to receive passes and participate ) and being quickly labeled as without hope are common occurrences.
The study highlighted that the brain circuits activated in response to social pain are the same whether an individual is directly experiencing it or feeling it empathetically for someone else. From an evolutionary perspective, these pain responses serve to protect individuals while enhancing social connections, thus safeguarding the larger community.
Given the unique physical and psychological demands on at-risk individuals, understanding the implications of social pain is vital for promoting well-being and performance within any playing group including masters-aged players.
The Nature of Social Pain
Social pain has been linked to various emotional outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and decreased self-esteem (Eisenberger, Lieberman & Williams, 2003). The phenomenology of social relationships in team sports influences this experience significantly. Masters athletes often grapple with issues of identity, self-worth, and belonging, particularly when faced with the dual challenges of aging and competitive performance (Gould et al., 2012).
Masters athletes often face transitions due to aging, such as changes in physical capability and, consequently, perceived competency in their sport. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and social exclusion, as highlighted by Gibbons et al. (2023), who found that transitions in physical performance affected athletes’ perceptions of their social standing among peers.Many masters athlete are well aware of their change in health and wellness and the deprecation of neuromuscular abilities. It is often a source of shame and anxiety. Recognising this and working through the physical, technical and emotional support mechanisms for managing and improving their ability to cope, adapt and grow is crucial.
Performance Anxiety and Identity Crisis
Masters athletes may experience identity crises as they confront changing performance levels, leading to fears of being socially rejected by peers (Gould et al., 2012). Acceptance within the team often depends on physical contributions, further complicating their sense of belonging.
Team Dynamics and Acceptance
As Gould et al. (2012) point out, the social structures within teams can create environments where certain athletes feel marginalized, particularly those struggling with performance. This marginalization can lead to social pain, as acceptance becomes predicated on physical ability and contribution to the team's goals. Acceptance is often also tied to conformity with a prevailing team culture and value set which in too many instances serves to exacerbate the social pain for many.Inclusivity is an overworked term, too often operationalised with word salad BS and lacking in professional consultative guidance. If a club or representative body is serious about the mental wellness of all team members it is not that hard or expensive to bring in a sports psychologist to help frame, deliver and support an effective program of social pain minimisation.
Social Comparison
The competitive nature of team sports can intensify social comparison, resulting in feelings of inadequacy. Research shows that athletes often measure themselves against peers, which can exacerbate feelings of social pain if they perceive themselves as falling short (Smith et al., 2019).
Cohesion and Loneliness
Research suggests that strong team cohesion can buffer against social pain (Carron & Hausenblas, 1998). However, if an athlete feels disconnected or experiences conflict within the team, loneliness can exacerbate feelings of social pain, leading to negative psychological outcomes (Smith et al., 2019). A perfect storm brew is a masters player of limited technical and physical abilities, lacking in experience left in the “ care” of a coach and team mates with a win at all cost approach and a culture that calls out unforced errors vociferously and continuously.
The psychological effects of social pain among masters athletes can lead to increased anxiety and depression. A study by Allen et al. (2018) noted that athletes experiencing heightened social distress had lower overall mental health scores, affecting their ability to engage in their sport. If you are feeling alienated, inadequate and set-upon it can trigger a spiral of negative self absorption opening up a black hole of energy leakage.
Performance can also suffer due to the psychological toll of social pain. In a study on team cohesion and performance, Carron et al. (2002) found that athletes with lower social support reported decreased motivation and performance levels, emphasizing the impact of social dynamics on athletic performance. The guy you don't rate or don't like who you just may need to step up will lack the energy and motivation to deliver.
Coping Mechanisms
Masters athletes often develop various coping mechanisms to deal with social pain, including increased reliance on non team support networks, participation in recreational rather than competitive teams, and not often enough; seeking professional help. McCarthy and Jones (2012) identified that adaptive coping strategies, such as building relationships with teammates and engaging in peer support, were beneficial in mitigating the effects of social pain. The role of coach, manager and the wider club can not be emphasized enough here.
The occurrence of social pain among masters-aged team sport athletes is a multifaceted issue that has significant implications for their mental health and athletic performance. It is vital for coaches, sports organizations, and communities to foster supportive environments that prioritize both the social and psychological needs of these athletes, promoting resilience and encouraging social connectivity.
This collection of literature illustrates the complex interplay between social pain and its impacts on mental health and performance among masters-aged team sport athletes, emphasizing the importance of fostering supportive and cohesive team environments.Feel free to investigate and share.
References
Allen, K. A., Khan, S. A., & Gray, P. (2018). The social costs of being an adult athlete: Anxiety and depression in masters athletes. Journal of Health Psychology , 23(5), 804-814.
Carron, A. V., & Hausenblas, H. A. (1998). The influence of group cohesion on performance of athletes: A meta-analysis. Small Group Research , 29(3), 303-319.
Carron, A. V., Brawley, L. R., & Widmeyer, W. N. (2002). The measurement of cohesion in sport teams: The group environment questionnaire. Sports Science Review , 11(1), 4-14.
Dionigi, R. (2002). Leisure and Identity Management in Later Life: Understanding Competitive Sport Participation Among Older Adults. World Leisure Journal, 44(3), 4–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/04419057.2002.9674274
Eisenberger, N. I., Lieberman, M. D., & Williams, K. D. (2003). Does rejection hurt? An fMRI study of social exclusion. Science , 302(5643), 290-292.
Gibbons, V. B., Miller, S. M., & Gerulaitis, J. (2023). Aging athletes and social connectivity: Navigating transitions. International Journal of Sports Psychology , 54(1), 38-47.
Gould, D., Tuffey, S., Udry, E., & Loehr, J. (2012). Burnout in competitive youth sport: A perspective of coaches. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology , 24(1), 46-64.
McCarthy, P. J., & Jones, M. V. (2012). The role of coping strategies in the performance of adult athletes: A focus on social support. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology , 10(3), 267-280.
Smith, R. E., Smoll, F. L., & Cumming, S. P. (2019). Cohesion and team dynamics in youth sports: Implications for mental health. Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology , 8(4), 415-425.
