A Dialogical Self Approach to Self-Innovation and Narrative Continuity in Retirement From Elite Sport

This case study aims to uncover the processes of narrative change in retirement from elite sport. Using Dialogical Self Theory, we examined resistance to retirement and narrative work in a recently retired, Swiss, male elite athlete from an individual sport. Two narrative interviews at 3-months and 1-year post retirement were analyzed using a holistic-content analysis, and an analysis of multivoicedness and innovative moments. We identified 39 I-positions and key innovative moments which were exceptions to the athlete’s problematic narrative and supported athletic retirement. Importantly, results demonstrate that the participant’s self-innovation began proactively before retirement, was necessitated by dialogue and supported by the introduction of a new future-oriented position, the position I-as-healing. Innovation continued after retirement and the position I-as self-reflective allowed the athlete to observe changes to his self-concept and restore continuity. Based on our findings, athletes should be supported in accessing a variety of I-positions to enable rich inner dialogue before they approach retirement from elite sport. Reflective practices which encourage meta-positions and help trace continuity far into their futures may also be advantageous. Practical considerations for the identification of I-positions in personal narratives during transitions are discussed.