Impact of paralympic sports on the resilience of people with disabilities: evaluation and key analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v64.109235Keywords:
Disability, mental health , paralympic sports, psychological impact, resilienceAbstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the degree of resilience in people with motor disabilities, both those who do and do not practice para-sports.
Methodology: This cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted with 351 para-athletes (PDAP - X̄ = 30.9 ± 11.7 years) and 90 non-practicing individuals with motor disabilities (PDNP - X̄ = 31.6 ± 9.3 years). Data collection was performed using a Google Forms questionnaire that included assessments of socioeconomic profile and resilience profile using the Wagnild and Young Resilience Scale. The data were analyzed using Chi-Square non-parametric tests, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: Both groups displayed homogeneous characteristics. Notably, 79.5% of para-athletes were male, while 40.0% of non-athletes were white. Most had incomplete high school, with a higher percentage among para-athletes (40.1%). The most common labor activity was "Works and takes care of family" (38.8%). PDAP scored higher in self-sufficiency (∆% = 22.0%, p = 0.037) and serenity (∆% = 51.2%, p = 0.025). In total, 81.6% showed high resilience, with PDAP significantly more likely to be in the high resilience category (∆% = 44.3%, p = 0.008). Given that the calculated power of this experiment indicates an 88% possibility of extrapolation to other sample groups (with a β error = 12%), these findings are robust and highly generalizable. Conclusion: Despite their physical disabilities, para-athletes demonstrated higher resilience than non-athletes, suggesting that para-sports may help them overcome physical limitations.
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