Social Support Mechanisms among Athletes with Disabilities

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to describe social support mechanisms of swimmers with disabilities and examine relationships among social support, self-efficacy, and athletic satisfaction. Results indicated that athletes felt satisfied with the social support they received. Mothers and friends provided primary support in a variety of areas requiring non-sport-related knowledge. Additionally, there were important secondary sources of support in areas requiring sport-specific knowledge. Coaches were primary sources of support in areas that required sport expertise. Fathers were also important sources of secondary support in areas that required both sport expertise and nonsport expertise. Correlational results suggested that athletes who were supported by being listened to and by being challenged to become better athletes and people also reported strong self-efficacy.

An in-Depth Investigation of a Model Sport Program for Athletes with a Physical Disability

“…Furthermore, the athletes commented on the importance of the emotional support provided by their parents with regards to supporting and encouraging the athletes' goals. This finding coincides with the work of Martin and Mushett (1996), which found that parents often provide the strongest support for individuals with disabilities to participate in sport. In line with the fifth setting feature, several of the athletes highlighted how both the coaches and parents in this program facilitated positive social norms, such as helping others.…”

Psychosocial Aspects of Youth Disability Sport

“…Parental affective responses (e.g., enjoyment of physical activity) also infl uenced childrenʼs propensity to engage in physical activity (Brustad, 1996). Parental involvement in youth sport for children with disabilities may be particularly important to assess because adolescents with physical disabilities rely on their parents for sport related support (Martin & Mushett, 1996), and parents are often critical in helping their children develop physical activity self-effi cacy (Mandich, Polatajko, & Rodger, 2003). Finally, Nixon (1988) suggested that parents of children with disabilities worry about the potential for injury in physical activity and might be reluctant to encourage their children to play sport.…”

Training and Performance Self-Efficacy, Affect, and Performance in Wheelchair Road Racers

“…Unfortunately, only a few researchers (e.g., Campbell & Jones, 1997;Martin, 1996Martin, , 1999aMartin, , 1999bMartin, , 1999cMartin & Mushett-Adams, 1996) have examined the psychological dynamics of disability sport. In particular, long distance wheelers with physical disabilities have rarely participated in sport psychology research.…”