Football Fitness as a meaningful driver of occupational identity in female breast cancer survivors.

INTRODUCTION

While exercise after breast cancer treatment is important, some breast cancer survivors (BCS) find it difficult to maintain motivation for physical activity (PA).

OBJECTIVES

To investigate Danish female BCS' motivation to play Football Fitness (FF) after the termination of a research project (Football Fitness After Breast Cancer), and whether the participation influenced occupational identity and adaptation.

METHODS

Two qualitative focus group interviews with seven female BCS (53 ± 5 years;  ± SD) were performed. The interviews were analyzed to identify the forms of motivation experienced according to Self-Determination Theory using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Due to increasing connections and recognition of one another, FF gradually became meaningful and a part of the women's occupational identity. They experienced increasing cohesion and competence through common experiences, thus increasingly identifying as a unit. The women reported that they gradually adopted healthier lifestyles by participating in FF, which positively impacted other diagnoses for some.

CONCLUSION

Recognition of one another impacted intrinsic motivation. Similarly, as the women felt more competent playing FF, it became a part of their occupational identity leading to an effective adaptation. Access to FF as an integral part of rehabilitation for female BCS may be a way to support long-term PA and to adapt a new occupational identity.