Beyond the games: how sport-based social networks support illness self-management for organ transplant recipients

For people living with a long-term health condition, it is important to engage in illness self-management to maintain both physical and psychosocial functioning. Illness self-management is now understood as a collective process whereby social networks can make a significant contribution to outcomes. This study investigated the role of sport-based social networks for illness self-management for organ transplant recipients. Sixteen participants completed 3 interviews each in the 12-months after attending a Transplant Games event for the first time. Using a qualitative social network mapping method, it was found that despite it being a relatively short sporting event, participants found it easy to gain an immediate sense of closeness to other Transplant Games participants due to their shared illness experiences. Indeed, being able to discuss ongoing health concerns with their new Transplant Games network meant that participants could avoid causing unnecessary anxiety for their close family and friends. Furthermore, two selected participant narratives illuminate that new relationships gained from attending the Transplant Games network can remain available over a 12- month period but this does not necessarily disrupt one’s existing support network. Overall, this study emphasises the value of sport-based social support for individuals with long-term health conditions and deepens our understanding of how social networks contribute to psychosocial functioning.