ABSTRACT
Sport performers are often exposed to a diversity of stressors and daily hassles, and some will also encounter more major adversity. While many of these demands may be linked directly to competitive performances, others will relate to the organization within which performers operate or to more personal non-sporting life events. This chapter reviews original and contemporary research on the various stressors, hassles, and adversity encountered by sport performers. Furthermore, the chapter provides definitions of the key terms used in research on this topic to date, and outlines research conducted on the various ways in which stressors, hassles, and adversity can be conceptualized and optimally measured. With regard to conceptualization, the chapter discusses scholarly work on the type, dimensions (e.g., frequency, intensity, duration, and severity), properties (e.g., novelty, imminence, and ambiguity), and other characteristics (e.g., internal/external, objective/subjective, conscious/unconscious, and challenge/hindrance) of stressors, hassles, and adversity. Practical implications for performers, coaches, practitioners, and organizations wishing to more optimally manage stressors, hassles, and adversity in the sports domain via primary stress management interventions are forwarded.
