European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 1, 9-21 (2008) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2008.001

ATHLETIC IDENTITY AND SELF-ESTEEM IN FLEMISH ATHLETES WITH A DISABILITY

Peter Van de Vliet, Debbie Van Biesen, Yves C. Vanlandewijck
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium

The aim of this study is to investigate athletic identity, self-esteem and physical self-perceptions in Flemish athletes with a disability, to investigate the mutual relationships between those variables, and to evaluate their stability over time. Flemish athletes (Paralympic level, n = 23; Non-Paralympic Elite level, n = 37) filled out questionnaires 11 months before the Paralympic Games (PG), 3 months before the PG, and immediately afterwards. Participants in both groups report strong levels of athletic identity, comparable to profiles in able-bodied sportive individuals. Similar findings are reported for global self-esteem and physical self-perceptions. With exception of physical confidence, no relationship was found between athletic identity and (physical) selfperceptions. Both athletic identity and (physical) self-perceptions are stable constructs over time. Flemish athletes with disabilities possess a strong athletic identity and subsequent selfperceptions, in which they identify themselves with being 'real athletes'. This athletic identity is imbedded in a broad self-concept approach, largely independent from performances.

Keywords: Athletic Identity, Disability Sport, Paralympics, Self-esteem, Physical Self-perceptions

Published: March 31, 2008  Show citation

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Van de Vliet, P., Van Biesen, D., & Vanlandewijck, Y.C. (2008). ATHLETIC IDENTITY AND SELF-ESTEEM IN FLEMISH ATHLETES WITH A DISABILITY. European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity, 1(1), 9-21. doi: 10.5507/euj.2008.001
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