Psychosocial Effect of Sport on Disabled Individuals

Authors: Doğar R and Gümüşdağ H*

DOI: 10.23880/aphot-16000273

Volume 7, Issue 4

Abstract

Introduction: It is well known that sport is a necessary activity for a healthy and happy life and is important for all people. However, sport has a different meaning for disabled people. Because sport can open a new window for disabled people who already face many obstacles in their lives and live with the stress caused by these obstacles. Regardless of the type and degree of disability, moving, exercising, participating in sports activities gives pleasure to the individual, and the pleasure of moving increases the individual's motivation to live. In addition to its positive contribution to health, through sport the individual can share his loneliness with other people, make friends, learn solidarity, recognise his talents and have the opportunity to develop them, and develop positive feelings towards himself, his body and other people. Methods: Phenomenological design, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the study. In phenomenological research, it is possible to focus on phenomena that are perceived in everyday life but do not have deep and detailed knowledge, opinions, understanding or insights. Results: As a result of the interviews with 12 participants, it was found that people were generally unhappy before they met the sports branches. However, they stated that there were changes in their lives after their encounter with sport. Conclusion: It was found that the preferred sports varied according to the disability status of the people. It was found that physical disability directed people to different branches.

Keywords: Sport; Disabled Individual; Benefits of Sport; Psychology; Mental therapy

View PDF