Self-concept and physical activity in athletes with physical disabilities.
BACKGROUND
Few researchers have examined multi-dimensional physical self-concept among athletes with disabilities despite extensive evidence indicating the value of such an approach.


OBJECTIVE
To describe multidimensional self-concept and to predict both physical activity (PA) and self-esteem using various dimensions of physical self-concept (e.g., endurance, strength).


METHODS
The study was a one-time cross-sectional design involving self-report questionnaires. Participants (n = 50) were adolescents and adult athletes with physical disabilities (M age = 26.5, SD = 10.1) who completed the short version of the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire (PSDQ-S).


RESULTS
Athletes reported neutral to positive perceptions of multidimensional physical self-concept (M's ranging from 3.3 to 5.9 of 6). Using multiple regression analyses, we were able account for 29 and 47 percent of the variance in global self-concept and PA, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Global physical self-concept and strength self-concept were important in predicting global self-concept and PA, respectively. These findings support the promotion of weight training programs specifically and PA programs more generally for people with disabilities.
Division of Kinesiology, Health and Sport Studies,Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48301, USA. aa3975@wayne.edu
Jeffrey J
JJ
Martin
Laurel
L
Whalen
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D056352:Athletes / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D053580:Muscle Strength; D010465:Perception; D055070:Resistance Training; D012649:Self Concept; D057566:Self Report; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult