In sports medicine, which term refers to the negative emotional reaction to an injury?

The term that best describes the negative emotional reaction to an injury in sports medicine is grief. When an athlete experiences an injury, they often go through a process similar to grieving, which can include feelings of sadness, loss of identity related to their sport, and a mourning for the time away from competition. This emotional response can impact mental health and may also affect the rehabilitation process, as athletes may struggle with their sense of self and future in their sport.

Anger, fear, and anxiety can certainly be part of the emotional response to injury, but they do not encapsulate the experience to the same extent as grief, which includes a broader emotional journey through acceptance and coping with the loss of their athletic capabilities during recovery.