Abstract
Our aim was to comprehensively assess the well-being of athletes in Paralympic sports and determine if their results are comparable to other elite athlete populations. Participants (Para, n = 103; Olympic, n = 193; 56% female) were invited to complete an online questionnaire measuring subjective, psychological, social, and physical well-being. Using ANOVA analyses, Para athletes had comparable well-being to Olympic sport athletes across most dimensions. Para athletes recorded significantly lower physical well-being compared to Olympic sport athletes (p < 0.01). Well-being differences between male and female athletes were observed across dimensions of psychological (autonomy, personal growth, positive relation with others) and social well-being (actualization, integration). There were more well-being similarities between Para and Olympic sport athletes, than differences, suggesting the well-being of Para athletes is similar to their Olympic counterparts. The principle of athlete-first and a client-centered approach are discussed with respect to athlete well-being.
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06 July 2018
Due to some technical problem related with rendering of online issue 3, the below articles need to be read as part of Vol. 1, multiple Issue 1-3
Notes
Dunn and Andrews (2015) recommended the use of person-first (e.g., athletes in Paralympic sports) and identity-first (e.g., Para sport athlete) language in order to recognise the social constructs around the term ‘disability’ and empower people with disabilities. This approach has been used throughout the article.
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Macdougall, H.K., O’Halloran, P., Sherry, E. et al. Putting the Athlete First: a Comprehensive Assessment of Elite Para Athlete Well-Being. J well-being assess 1, 35–47 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41543-017-0003-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41543-017-0003-8