Participation motivation in disabled athletes

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. Sports have significant effects on individuals of all ages and levels, particularly for those with disabilities. These effects are seen in terms of self-expression and competence skills. The aim of this study was to measure the motivation levels of disabled athletes in their participation in sports. Material and Methods. The study involved 151 voluntary participants. The 'Motivation Scale for Participation in Sports for Disabled Individuals' was utilized. Independent t-tests and One-Way ANOVA multiple comparison tests were employed to compare differences between two independent groups and determine variations between variables. Results. Significant differences were found in the motivation levels of disabled individuals in terms of gender, disability status, nationality, type of sport, and social status factors. Female participants were found to have higher levels of both internal and external motivation compared to males. It was determined that the internal motivation of individuals with hearing impairments is higher than those with visual and intellectual disabilities. Additionally, the external motivation levels of individuals with physical, visual, and hearing impairments are higher than those with intellectual disabilities. National athletes have been found to have high levels of external motivation. Furthermore, there is a significant difference in the internal and external motivations of individual sports participants compared to those participating in team sports. No significant differences were found in the duration of participants' athletic careers. Individuals who gained social status through sports were found to have high levels of external motivation. Conclusions. Among the positive effects of sports in human life, it is observed that there are many positive values that sports bring to individuals. This includes the internal and external motivation it provides. Sports have significant effects on self-expression and self-sufficiency skills for individuals of all ages and levels, especially for individuals with disabilities. In this context, the participation of disabled individuals in sports becomes crucial in terms of their personal development and facilitating their lives, both physiologically, psychologically, and sociologically.