Article
The purpose of the research is to conduct a theoretical and methodological analysis of the process of social construction of vulnerability in professional athletes, determined by the culture of toughness and the formation of an exclusive athletic identity, and to identify its impact on the individuals' adaptation to life beyond sport.
Methods and organization of the research. The analysis is based on the principles of social constructivism, utilizing Habitus Theory (P. Bourdieu) and Structuration Theory (A. Giddens). The study constitutes a critical theoretical review and synthesis aimed at developing a conceptual model.
Results and discussion. It is established that the Culture of Toughness functions as a social imperative that is incorporated into the athlete's dysfunctional Habitus, which automatically generates schemas for overcoming and ignoring pain. This culture actively restricts the development of alternative social roles, leading to the formation of an exclusive athletic identity. Athlete vulnerability is conceptualized as a systemic lack of legitimate resources for admitting weakness. Upon career termination, vulnerability manifests in a triad of deficits: identity-related, socio-communicative, and institutional-functional, leading to the use of maladaptive strategies (regression into sport, pursuit of substitute risk).
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