ATHLETIC IDENTITY AND SELF-ESTEEM IN FLEMISH ATHLETES WITH A DISABILITY

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate athletic identity, self-esteem and physical self-perceptions in Flemish athletes with a disability, to investigate the mutual relationships between those variables, and to evaluate their stability over time. Flemish athletes (Paralympic level, n = 23; Non-Paralympic Elite level, n = 37) filled out questionnaires 11 months before the Paralympic Games (PG), 3 months before the PG, and immediately afterwards. Participants in both groups report strong levels of athletic identity, comparable to profiles in able-bodied sportive individuals. Similar findings are reported for global self-esteem and physical self-perceptions. With exception of physical confidence, no relationship was found between athletic identity and (physical) self-perceptions. Both athletic identity and (physical) self-perceptions are stable constructs over time. Flemish athletes with disabilities possess a strong athletic identity and subsequent self-perceptions, in which they identify themselves with being 'real athletes'. This athletic identity is imbedded in a broad self-concept approach, largely independent from performances.