An Overview of Paralympic Sport from a Historical and Psychosocial Perspective

Key Findings & Data:Based on this idea, in this study, the concept of Paralympics is defined, the history of the Paralympic Olympic Games and statistical information in these games are included, and the psychosocial characteristics of athletes who operate in sports environments as para-athletes are discussed.

💡

Conclusion & Impact:In addition, coaches' communication and leadership skills are important for para-athletes to be successful in sports and persistence in sports.

🔬Design:Review & Systematic Survey

📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample

⚙️Variables:Paralympic · Paralympian · Para-Athlete

Abstract

The Paralympic Olympic Games initiated within the framework of the Paralympic movement is not well known by the society. Understanding the psychological characteristics of para-athletes and revealing their social position will contribute to coaches, managers and all sports professionals working with these athletes. Based on this idea, in this study, the concept of Paralympics is defined, the history of the Paralympic Olympic Games and statistical information in these games are included, and the psychosocial characteristics of athletes who operate in sports environments as para-athletes are discussed. A narrative based literature review was preferred as a methodology in the study. As a result of the research, it has been seen that para sports have progressed rapidly over the years since the first day of its emergence in the historical process. When the psychological characteristics of para athletes are examined, it is understood that para athletes do sports for reasons such as performing well and winning, looking normal, adapting to injury, defending themselves, fighting against marginalization and encouraging the disabled sports movement. It has been stated that para-athletes who are emotionally stable, have cognitive flexibility and mental endurance, are self-confident, can manage stress and control their emotions are more successful in sports. It has been stated that social support is important for para-athletes when they start sports, but an overprotective structure may negatively affect the psychosocial development of para-athletes. In addition, coaches' communication and leadership skills are important for para-athletes to be successful in sports and persistence in sports.

Keywords

Paralympic Paralympian Para-Athlete Psychosocial

🔖

Cite This Article

ERSÖZ, G., ESEN, S. (2023). An Overview of Paralympic Sport from a Historical and Psychosocial Perspective. International Journal of Disabilities Sports and Health Sciences, Cilt: 6 Sayı: Special Issue 1- Healthy Life, Sports for Disabled people, 475–489. https://ajindex.com/articles/969067

📄 Full Text PDF Viewer

Open in New Tab ↗

↗New Tab

📄

PDF görüntüleyici hazırlanıyor...

References (12)

Anderson, R., Hanrahan, S. J., & Mallett, C. J. (2014). Investigating the Optimal Psychologicalstate for Peak Performance in Australian Elite Athletes.Journal of Applied Sport Psychology; 26(3), 318–333. Arslan F., & Sezer, S. Y. (2020). Scientific and Academic Approaches in Sports 5, Ankara:
Night Library. Barker-Ruchti, N., Schubring, A., Aarresola, O., Kerr, R., Grahn, K., and McMahon, J. (2018). Producing Success: a Critical Analysis of Athlete Development Governance in Six Countries. Int. J. Sport Policy Politics 10; 215–234.
Baxter-Jones, A., Thompson, A., and Malina, R. (2002). Growth and Maturation in Elite Young Female Athletes. Sports Med. Arthrosc. 10;42–49.
Beauchamp, M. R., Maclachlan, A., & Lothian, A. M. (2005). Communication within sport teams: Jungian preferences and group dynamics. The Sport Psychologist, 19(2), 203-220.
Bekçi, B. (2012). The Most Suitable Transportation Axes for Physically Disabled Users in Terms of Accessibility: Bartin City Example. Journal of Bartın Faculty of Forestry; 14(1. Special Issue), 26-36.
Bloom, G. A., Stevens, D. E., & Wickwire, T. L. (2003). Expert Coaches’perceptions of Teambuilding.Journal of Applied Sport Psychology;15(2), 129–143.
Campbell, E., & Jones, G. (2002). Sources of Stress Experienced by Elite Male Wheelchair Basketball Players. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly; 19(1), 82-99.
Campbell, E., & Jones, G. (2002a). Cognitive Appraisal of Sources of Stress Experienced by Elite Male Wheelchair Basketball Players. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly; 19(1), 100-108.
Campbell, E., & Jones, G. (2002b). Sources of Stress Experienced by Elite Male Wheelchair Basketball Players. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly; 19(1), 82-99.
Carron, A. V., Hausenblas, H. A., & Eys, M. A. (2005).Group Dynamics in Sport(3rd ed.).Fitness Information Technology. Clancy, R. B., Herring, M. P., MacIntyre, T. E., & Campbell, M. J. (2016). A Review of Competitive Sport Motivation Research. Psychology of Sport and Exercise; 27, 232-242.
Collier, R. (2008). Most Paralympians Inspire, but Others Cheat.Canadian Medical Association Journal; 179, (6), 524. Collins, J., & Durand-Bush, N. (2019). The Optimal Team Functioning (OTF) Model: A Grounded Theory Framework to Guide Teamwork in Curling.Journalof Applied Sport Psychology;31(4), 405–426.
Çevik, O. & Kabasakal, K. (2013). Investigation of the Effect of Sports Activities on the Social Adaptation of Disabled Individuals and Their Socialization Through Sports. International Jour