Parentsí Conceptions of the Influences of Participation in a Sports Programme on Their Children and Adolescents with Physical Disabilities

Abstract

Parents of children and adolescents with physical disabilities have an important role in strengthening and supporting their children in everyday life. Children and adolescents with physical disabilities do not ordinarily have natural access to club activities, nor do they receive the same support for physical activities as their peers without disabilities. The aim of this Swedish study was to describe parents' conceptions of the influences of participation in a sports programme on their children and adolescents with physical disabilities. The data were collected from 20 parents of children and adolescents with disabilities in the 9-15 year age group through interviews based on a holistic view. The method of analysis used was inspired by phenomenography. Three descriptive categories emerged: achieving good health, being part of a social group and learning a sporting activity. The findings show that the parents regarded sport as a form of health education and as a means for their children to achieve increased participation in society. The findings also show that the learning process was important for empowering the children to influence their life situation.

Orthopedic disability and socioemotional functioning

“…Nevertheless, it is also of note that, even weak, playing sports on a regular basis positively predicted social and emotional functioning despite the severity of the disability. These positive links are in support of the extant literature that underlines the importance of physical activities for positive identity development of youth with disabilities 4,31–33 . Previous findings for adolescents without any disability also suggest that physical activity is helpful for positive self‐perception and confidence 30,47,48 .…”

“…Similar findings were found in a study by Taub and Greer, which noted the “normalizing” role of physical activity for school‐age children with physical disabilities; physical activity contributed to the children's perceptions of physical competence, self‐worth and social integration 4 . Similarly, parents' conceptions of the positive role of sports in social integration are in line with self reports of children with physical disabilities 33 …”

“…It is noteworthy that a considerable part of the variance in social and emotional outcomes could not be explained by the degree of disability and engagement in sport activities. We know that no matter how serious the disability is, some families can be very supportive about their child's participation in the social world, and encourage him/her by reinforcing a positive attitude toward oneself 33 . It has been acknowledged that support received from parents and friends is predictive of adolescents' self‐worth regardless of their severity of physical disorder 49 .…”

“…4 Similarly, parents' conceptions of the positive role of sports in social integration are in line with self reports of children with physical disabilities. 33 According to data obtained from the 2002 National Disability Survey, 12.29% (8 431 937 people) of the total population in Turkey have a disability and, at 10% (making a total of 1.23% out of the total population), orthopedic disability is the most widespread one among all the groups. 34 Nevertheless, the physical activity facilities are not accessible for persons with orthopedic disabilities and they have very limited or no access to recreational activities and sports.…”

Physical activity participation in Pacific adolescent girls with a physical disability

“…It is important, therefore, that any support or consultation should be directed at the family to strengthen the families' resilience. This is consistent with findings from KristÈn, et al (2003), who suggested parents have a significant role in supporting the adolescent with a physical disability. Furthermore, the family dynamics may impede participation for the girls if they have other siblings also requiring care and, additionally, if the girls are a low priority in the family.…”