Avoidance coping has commonly been reported within
literature to be a debilitative process. However, in situations
where goal attainment is reduced or eradicated avoidance
coping strategies appear to have some benefit. The aim of
this study was to identify the role of avoidance coping within
the sports injury rehabilitation setting. A mixed methodological
approach was utilized with four professional male
rugby union players, concurrent with their rehabilitation
from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery. Twice
monthly interviews were conducted with each player, along
with a self-report diary and the Coping with Health, Injuries
and Problems (CHIP; Endler & Parker, 2000) inventory.
Content analysis showed six higher-order themes split
into two general dimensions: (a) behavioral avoidance
coping (physical distraction, social interaction, maladaptive
behaviors), and (b) cognitive avoidance coping (denial,
thought stopping, cognitive distraction). Results suggest
avoidance coping strategies facilitate control of short-term
emotional states, as well has appearing to have long-term
benefits for injured players. Particular benefits were associated
with undertaking alternate work within the sports
organization.