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http://researchcommons.waikato.ac.nz/ Research Commons at the University of Waikato Copyright Statement: The digital copy of this thesis is protected by the Copyright Act 1994 (New Zealand). The thesis may be consulted by you, provided you comply with the provisions of the Act and the following conditions of use: Any use you make of these documents or images must be for research or private study purposes only, and you may not make them available to any other person. Authors control the copyright of their thesis. You will recognise the author’s right to be identified as the author of the thesis, and due acknowledgement will be made to the author where appropriate. You will obtain the author’s permission before publishing any material from the thesis. Perspectives and Experiences of Off-field Problematic Behaviour Among Elite New Zealand Athletes A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Sciences (MSocSc) at The University of Waikato by CAITLIN DAVYS EASTER 2014 i Abstract In recent years, the off-field problematic behaviour of elite athletes has received considerable media interest and attention. However, such behaviour has been investigated largely in college/university athlete populations and has focused predominantly on specific sports and on- field behaviours. This qualitative study examined perspectives and experiences of off-field problematic behaviour among elite New Zealand athletes. Semi-structured interviews with 10 athletes (five female and five male) from seven sporting codes were completed. Interview transcripts were analysed and interpreted using thematic analysis. Five key themes emerged from the data, which provided insight into the development of off-field problematic behaviour in the current context and the wider consequences such behaviour has for athletes and others. The findings suggest that a range of off-field problematic behaviour is present within the elite New Zealand sporting environment. Alcohol misuse was the most prevalent type of behaviour discussed. A number of other problematic behaviours were also reported, such as risk-taking, violence, inappropriate sexual behaviour, disordered eating, and psychological manipulation. Participants’ definitions of ‘problematic behaviour’ were broad and included a number of less severe behaviours that were considered to be problematic within the elite sporting context. The main factors that appeared to increase the likelihood of off-field problematic behaviour were the influence of the media, pressures associated with professionalism, and the impact of management-athlete relationships. Having an elite public profile and the influence of drinking culture were identified as added pressures for participants, specific to the New Zealand sporting context. Furthermore, being on tour or competing overseas appeared to exacerbate potential vulnerabilities and provided unique opportunities for athletes to engage in off-field problematic behaviour. Numerous stressor factors appeared to have dual functions and, at times, also had protective value. Having stable support networks and positive athlete-coach relationships were protective factors central to the current study. Barriers to seeking help in relation to off-field problematic behaviour were also identified as an interesting finding in this study. Mistrust of professionals and breaches of confidentiality greatly impacted ii athletes’ willingness to seek help. Participants also made a number of recommendations to address off-field problematic behaviour that are highly relevant to professionals working within elite sporting environments. Overall, this study confirmed that off-field problematic behaviour of elite athletes was present in New Zealand; however, there were perceived differences as to whether such behaviour was increasing or decreasing in the current climate. Further research is needed to validate these findings and to better understand the experiences of elite athletes within the New Zealand sporting context. iii Acknowledgements There are a number of people who I would like to thank for making this research project possible. Firstly, I would like to acknowledge Professor Douglas Boer for showing initial interest and providing the mechanisms for getting this research underway. I am extremely thankful to my supervisors, Dr Cate Curtis and Dr Armon Tamatea, for your time, experience and guidance over the last two years. Cate, your attention to detail and numerous scholarship references were greatly appreciated. Armon, your support and input throughout the final stages of this project were instrumental. The opportunity to explore the experiences and perspectives of ten outstanding elite New Zealand athletes/coaches was extraordinary. I am grateful to you all for giving up your time to participate in this research. Thank you for sharing your stories and for your wisdom and insights. Throughout my time at the University of Waikato, I have been supported by the Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship Programme. Without the backing of Greg O’Carroll, this research may not have been possible. Also, to my peers in the Clinical Psychology Programme, I am appreciative for the updates and debriefs that were vital for clarifying my ideas. Thank you to my friends for your understanding and belief throughout this period. To my family, I admire you for putting up with me during times of absolute tension. Mum and Dad, I appreciate all you have done for me throughout my time at University; your unconditional support and belief has been invaluable. A special mention to Mum who proof read this thesis, I am truly grateful for your suggestions and knowledge. Dad, I appreciated your company in numerous stress relief running sessions and the amazing custom database that saved me hours of highlighting, cutting, and pasting. Ashley, you have kept the sibling competition alive in carrying out your PhD, thank you for the motivation. Finally, Sam, thank you for making me laugh and helping me to see the big picture in times of stress, for accepting me and all that came with this project, and for your ongoing support and confidence in my abilities. iv Table of Contents Abstract ........................................................................................................ i Acknowledgements ................................................................................ iii Table of Contents ..................................................................................... iv List of Tables ............................................................................................. vi List of Figures ........................................................................................... vi Chapter One: Introduction ...................................................................... 1 Researcher Perspective ................................................................................... 3 Definitions ........................................................................................................ 4 Research Objectives ......................................................................................... 5 Thesis Outline .................................................................................................. 5 Chapter Two: Review of the Literature ................................................ 7 Sport Psychology as an Emerging Field ....................................................... 7 Antisocial Behaviour and Sport ..................................................................... 8 Off-field Problematic Behaviour ................................................................. 12 Stressors in Sport ........................................................................................... 33 Coping in Sport .............................................................................................. 38 Help-seeking Behaviour ............................................................................... 40 Māori Perspectives on Sport ........................................................................ 43 Chapter Summary ......................................................................................... 43 Rationale for the Current Study .................................................................. 44 Chapter Three: Methodology ............................................................... 46 Research Focus ............................................................................................... 46 Qualitative Research ..................................................................................... 46 Ethical Considerations .................................................................................. 48 Research Participants .................................................................................... 50 Research Procedures ..................................................................................... 53 Data Analysis ................................................................................................. 55 Chapter Summary ......................................................................................... 56 v Chapter Four: Findings .......................................................................... 57 Experiences of OFPB ..................................................................................... 58 Stressors/Motives/Risk Factors .................................................................. 68 Protective Factors .........................................................................................

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