Meanings of soccer practice for a person who suffers bullying: case study

Abstract

The present study is a case study of an adolescent who suffers bullying and plays soccer in a youth team. The objective was to know and understand the meanings acquired by the practice of sports for this player and in relation to the bullying suffered. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews with the main participant, as well as with his soccer and family environment. From the analysis carried out using the instrument for evaluating cohesion in team sports by Carron et al. (1985), it was found that the positive interpersonal relationships among the team players and the democratic leadership of the coach were two key aspects in overcoming to a certain extent the isolation of the bullied adolescent, becoming an efficient strategy for overcoming this situation. This research could be of great importance for people who suffer bullying, such as the main participant in this study, to be able to deal with this situation by playing soccer in teams that generate positive and safe environments.