An Investigation of Body Image in Athletes With Physical Disabilities

Abstract

The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to explore the body image of athletes with physical disabilities, and (b) to understand how sport influences body image among these athletes. We interviewed 20 male and female athletes (Mage = 34.25, SD = 8.49) from a variety of sports regarding their body image and the role of sport in influencing body image. A thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006) was used to generate six themes: (a) personal significance of injury and disability, (b) noncentrality of the body and disability, (c) positive influence of sport on body esteem, (d) social factors influencing body-related emotions and perceptions, (e) body critiques and preferences, and (f) positive thoughts and emotions about the body. Sport seemed to be an important vehicle for experiencing body-related pride, and athletes expressed an intimate connection with the body parts that enabled them to physically compete.

An investigation into the relationship between paracycling athletes and their prosthetics technology: a proposed design framework

“…It could be argued that an athlete's desires to colour or decorate their prosthesis in this way denoted their achievements, status or image and therefore reinforced the behaviour and existence of self-decoration described in this papers background section. This compliments observations seen from those who participate in competitive sport with a disability [16] and concerns over how they are perceived by others [17]. However, it is not clear in these studies if the prosthesis is seen as an extension of their physical form or merely an independent entity or artefact that is separate to it.…”

“…However, with other forms of sports equipment such as tennis balls [14] and footballs [15], athletes have been shown to exhibit emotionally led perceptions of them. In addition, the athletes' body-image has been proposed to be an integral part of a sportsperson with limb absence psyche and wellbeing [16]. Therefore, the contribution that the visual appearance of a prosthetic limb has could potentially also be seen of crucial importance to para-athletes.…”

“…It is not known if competitive athletes utilising a prostheses would produce different or similar responses to non-athletes. However, it has been proposed that when compared to a generalised population, those possessing a disability do have a different or lower level of body-esteem than those who are able-bodied [16]. Likewise, there is evidence that elite athletes are different to the general population when considering their emotional or psychological responses in terms of their attitudes to body image too [26].…”

Exploring motivations to be active among amputees: a phenomenological approach to leisure time physical activity

“…Holzer et al ( 2014 ) identified amputation as a source of lower body image. LTPA participation improved body image in amputees and generated pride in the way they looked (Galli et al, 2016 ; Wetterhahn et al, 2002 ). Inadequate or absent goal setting has been shown to pose a barrier to LTPA among lower extremity amputees (Batten et al, 2019 ).…”

Eating disorders in competitive sport and dance.

“…Most research on eating disorders in sport and dance has focused on Caucasian female collegiate or elite competitors. Thus, with a few exceptions (e.g., Galli, Reel, Henderson, & Detling, 2016), the experiences of athletes and dancers from marginalized groups (e.g., people with disabilities, people of color) have been largely ignored in recognizing and overcoming this condition. Researchers must focus on minority groups, if theoretical models and interventions are to best serve all athletes and dancers-not just those competitors representing the majority.…”