Understanding the family experience of the Invictus Games through a work-family conflict lens

The Invictus Games, an international adaptive sport competition for wounded, injured and/or sick military members and Veterans is returning to the UK in 2027. The Invictus Games provide a chance for recovery and rehabilitation for those who participate, but what about those who are supporting the competitors?  

Previous research within a civilian context showed that participating in sport can be a strain on the family. New research, published at the end of last year, therefore examined what it is like to be a family or friend of someone who is competing at the Invictus Games^[1]. 

Research Aim 

This research was unique as it focused on the family experience through the lens of work-family conflict theory. This theory is an idea which states that competing demands in family life, in this case sport and the family, cause tension in meeting responsibilities. The goal of this research was to understand the experiences of a family member or friend who supported an Invictus Games competitor from the time of selection to post competition through the work-family conflict approach.  

Methods 

Potential participants were recruited through social media posts and targeted emails to organisations with links to the Invictus Games. In total, seven people participated in interviews virtually, including four partners, two parents and one friend, from three Countries (five Canadian, one Australian, and one British), who had competed at one of three Invictus Games (Orlando, Toronto, Sydney). 

The interviews were analysed by the researchers using a methodology called Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, which focuses on understanding how individuals make sense of their experiences surrounding a particular event, in this case being the family member of someone competing in the Invictus Games.  

Key Takeaways 

The results highlighted that participating in the Invictus Games not only impacts the competitors, but also their families and friends. Family and friends have their own individual journeys which are linked to that of the competitor. Family members and friends noted that as their competitor felt better, they were in turn less worried about their loved one. Therefore, what happens to one member of the family affects not only that one member, but extends beyond to their whole family.  

Throughout their journeys, family and friends experienced stress relating to participation such as planning and timing difficulties, but also the joys of the competition. By being part of the process, family members and friends were hosted and celebrated alongside their competitors, encouraging connections within and between families. Family members and friends had the opportunity to reconnect with their competitors by being away from the normal stressors of life. Family members and friends also had opportunities to connect with other people who were experiencing similar changes and struggles, even if they were from different countries.  

In contrast to previous research which showcases the negative effects of sport participation on the family, this research shows the positive impact sport can have on the family and friends, if they are intentionally included in the process. 

Recommendations 

The results show that the impact of participating in sports is not limited to the competitor but extends to the whole family. Based on the findings, the following recommendations are proposed for furthering family inclusion and the family experience: 

• It is important to include family members and friends as part of the Invictus Games experience. Including family members and friends can begin as early as the selection process and should continue to post-event. 

• Providing supports to the family members can lighten stress associated with participation. Supports can include logistical and administrative help throughout the competition. For example, helping family members organise travel arrangements to training camps, including family members in communications, and organizing chances for family members to meet other family members prior to the competition. 

• Family and friends, and competitors have their own journeys, but they influence each other. To support one group, you need to support both. 

• More research needs to be conducted to understand how to best to support the whole family. Specifically, future research needs to focus on identifying which resources/competition structural elements actively encourage and/or discourage family participation and inclusion.    

This research provides important insight into the interconnectedness of the family and friends and competitor experiences of the Invictus Games. You can find out more by reading the full paper here: Link

Many thanks to Lauren Roberts for writing this Research Spotlight.

References  

1. Roberts, L. S., Shirazipour, C. H., Norris, D., & Cramm, H. 2025. The family experience of the Invictus Games through a work family conflict lens: An interpretative phenomenological analysis. Available from: Link

Cover image: Sgt Jimmy Wise RAF © Crown copyright 2023