Sport-Related Concussion / 119 119 JOURNAL OF SPORT & EXERCISE PSYCHOLOGY, 2004, 26, 119-135 © 2004 Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc. Emotional Reaction of Varsity Athletes to Sport-Related Concussion Lynda M. Mainwaring 1 , Sean M. Bisschop 2 , Robin E.A. Green 2 , *Mark Antoniazzi 2 , Paul Comper 2 , Vicki Kristman 3 , Christine Provvidenza 1 , and Doug W. Richards 1 1,3 University of Toronto; 2 Toronto Rehabilitation Institute Despite suggestions that emotions influence recovery from injury, there is little research into the emotional sequelae of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), or “concussion,” in sport. This examination compares emotional functioning of college athletes with MTBI to that of uninjured teammates and undergradu- ates. A short version of the Profile of Mood States (POMS; Grove & Prapa- vessis, 1992) assessed baseline emotions in all groups, and serial emotional functioning in the MTBI and undergraduate groups. Whereas preinjury pro- files were similar across groups, the MTBI group showed a significant postinjury spike in depression, confusion, and total mood disturbance that was not seen for the other groups. The elevated mood disturbances subsided within 3 weeks postinjury. Given that concussed athletes were highly motivated to return to play, these data could be used as a benchmark of normal emotional recovery from MTBI. Findings are discussed in relation to current literature on emotional reaction to injury and directions for future research. Key Words: mild traumatic brain injury, profile of mood states, recovery, ath- letic injury, depression, confusion, longitudinal Athletes’ reactions to sport related injuries extend beyond the obvious physical responses. After initial cognitive appraisal of the injury and its circumstances, ath- letes can experience significant emotional distress (Brewer, Linder, & Phelps, 1995; Daly, Brewer, Van Raalte, Petitpas, & Sklar, 1995; Mainwaring, 1999; Morrey, Stuart, Smith, & Wiese-Bjornstal, 1999). Signs of such distress can include frus- tration, depression, tension, confusion, and anger (Brewer, 2001; Johnston & Carroll, 1998; Leddy, Lamber, & Ogles, 1994; Quinn & Fallon, 1999; Smith, Scott, O’Fallon, & Young, 1990; Udry, Gould, Bridges, & Beck, 1997). Athletes have also reported transient increases in fatigue and general mood disturbance; these ratings have been observed to subside as vigor ratings increase during recovery (Leddy et al., 1994; Quinn & Fallon, 1999; Smith et al., 1990). 1 Faculty of Physical and Health Education, University of Toronto, 55 Harbord St., Toronto, ON, M5S 2W6 Canada; 2 Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, 550 University Ave., Toronto, ON, M5G 2A2; 3 Dept. of Public Health Sciences, University of Toronto.