Cultural transition forbprofessional development : case study of the Israeli men’s U18 national handball team migrated to Germany

• The globalisation of sport culture has led athletes to engage in short-term cultural transitions for professional development (e.g., Ryba, Haapanen, Mosek, & Ng, 2012). This case study describes the cultural transition of the Israeli men’s U18 national handball team to train and compete in Germany for a full competitive season, as part of a specialised Training Abroad Program (TAP). Qualitative and quantitative data were collected longitudinally as part of sport psychology services offered to the team. Data analysis was guided by an integrated career change and transition framework (ICCT; Samuel, Stambulova, & Ashkenazi, in press). The transition demands covered on-court (e.g., increased training load) and off-court (e.g., a foreign culture, residing at a hotel) issues. Players perceived this transition as significant and positive, although they varied in emotional responses due to differences in professional progress and feelings of loneliness. In response to selection for the TAP, most players relied on consulting with others. The transition barriers were also related to on-court (e.g., injuries) and off-court (e.g., cultural differences, difficulties in studying) issues. Players varied in their conscious decision to change (i.e., apply all necessary adjustments) and coping effectiveness. High athletic identity, external support, and coping strategies facilitated the transition coping and positive perception of the transition outcome. Players exhibited several transition pathways, as suggested by the ICCT. This is the first case study of a national team that migrated for such a long period for professional development purposes. Our findings illustrate the dynamics and multifaceted nature of the cultural transition.

Ämnesord

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Psykologi -- Tillämpad psykologi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Psychology -- Applied Psychology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

cultural transition

handball

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