How would you support an athlete who is facing a potentially career-ending injury or struggling with the psychological aspects of injury recovery?
Specialty-Specific
Purpose
This question is all about understanding how you see the emotional side of injuries for athletes. Interviewers want to know if you can empathize and provide support that goes beyond just physical healing.
Tips
- Acknowledge the athlete's identity and emotional struggles tied to their sport.
- Emphasize active listening and create a safe space for them to express their feelings.
- Outline specific strategies like referring them to mental health professionals and involving their support network.
Common mistakes
- Don't downplay their feelings or suggest they just focus on physical recovery.
- Avoid giving generic advice without showing empathy or understanding.
- Steer clear of suggesting a 'tough love' approach that lacks compassion.