European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity 18, 8 (2025) | DOI: 10.5507/euj.2025.002

The influence of role models on the engagement of people with disabilities in sport: A scoping review

Priscilla B. Bittar1,*, Márcio Pereira Morato1, Janine K. Coates2, Otávio Luis Piva da Cunha Furtado3
1 School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
2 School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, UK
3 School of Physical Education and Sport, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

Role models can motivate and promote engagement in activities of interest. This study sought to investigate how para-athletes can serve as role models for people with disabilities. Twenty-one studies were included in a scoping review to examine existing evidence relating to role models within parasport. A thematic analysis of available evidence identified five key themes. Persons identified as role models showed para-athletes, coaching staff with disabilities and other people (e.g. family members) were cited as potential role models to people with disabilities. Para-athlete role models as inspirational showed that role models could be important for entry into and maintained engagement in sport. Role models as social support associated with the theory of social learning (emotional, and structural support). Being a role model examines the desire of para-athletes to motivate and promote adapted sport. Finally, the impact of the ‘Supercrip’ narrative is examined in relation to parasport role models. We conclude that para-athletes may be highly relevant role models for people with disabilities and may encourage engagement in sport.

Keywords: motivation; inspiration; disability; parasport; Paralympic Games

Received: March 12, 2024; Revised: October 25, 2024; Accepted: February 7, 2025; Published online: June 9, 2026  Show citation

ACS AIP APA ASA Harvard Chicago Chicago Notes IEEE ISO690 MLA NLM Turabian Vancouver
Bittar, P.B., Morato, M.P., Coates, J.K., & da Cunha Furtado, O.L.P. (2025). The influence of role models on the engagement of people with disabilities in sport: A scoping review. European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity, 18, Article 8. https://doi.org/10.5507/euj.2025.002

This version is subject to proofreading approval

Share...
Download citation
  • BibTeX (.bib)
  • Bookends (.ris)
  • EasyBib (.ris)
  • EndNote (.enw)
  • EndNote 8 (.xml)
  • ISI WoS (.isi)
  • Medlars (.medlars)
  • Mendeley (.ris)
  • MODS (.xml)
  • Papers (.ris)
  • RefWorks (.txt)
  • RefManager (.ris)
  • RIS (.ris)
  • MS Word (.xml)
  • Zotero (.ris)
    • Open full article

    References

    1. Adriaanse, J. A., & Crosswhite, J. J. (2008). David or Mia? The influence of gender on adolescent girls' choice of sport role models. Women's Studies International Forum, 31(5), 383-389. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wsif.2008.08.008 Go to original source...
    2. Anderson, D. M., Wozencroft, A., & Bedini, L. A. (2008). Adolescent girls' involvement in disability sport: A comparison of social support mechanisms. Journal of Leisure Research, 40(2), 183-207. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222216.2008.11950137 Go to original source...
    3. Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory. In Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory. Prentice-Hall, Inc.
    4. Bandura, A. (1999). A social cognitive theory of personality. In L. Pervin & O. John (Eds.), Handbook of personality (2nd ed., pp. 154-196). Guilford Publications. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0021-9258(19)40792-8[A5.1] Go to original source...
    5. Bandura, A., & Kupers, C. J. (1964). Transmission of patterns of self-reinforcement through modeling. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 69(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0041187 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    6. Barr, M., & Shields, N. (2011). Identifying the barriers and facilitators to participation in physical activity for children with Down syndrome. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 55(11), 1020-1033. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2788.2011.01425.x Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    7. Berger, R. J. (2008). Disability and the dedicated wheelchair athlete: Beyond the "supercrip" critique. Journal of Contemporary Ethnography, 37(6), 647-678. https://doi.org/10.1177/0891241607309892 Go to original source...
    8. Bondas, T., & Hall, E. O. C. (2007). Challenges in approaching meta synthesis research. Qualitative Health Research, 17(1), 113-121. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049732306295879 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    9. Bricheno, P., & Thornton, M. (2007). Role model, hero or champion? Children's views concerning role models. Educational Research, 49(4), 383-396. https://doi.org/10.1080/00131880701717230 Go to original source...
    10. Brittain, I. (2016). The Paralympic Games Explained. In Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly (2nd ed., Vol. 34, Issue 3). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.2017-0065[A6.1] Go to original source...
    11. Bromnick, R. D., & Swallow, B. L. (1999). I like being who I am: A study of young people's ideals. Educational Studies, 25(2). https://doi.org/10.1080/03055699997855 Go to original source...
    12. Campbell, F. K. (2009). Contours of Ableism: The Production of Disability and Ableness. Palgrave Macmillan. Go to original source...
    13. Cardoso, V. D., de Castro Haiachi, M., Filho, A. R. R., & Gaya, A. C. A. (2020). Entry of Brazilian paralympic athletes in high performance sport. Journal of Physical Education (Maringa), 31(1). https://doi.org/10.4025/jphyseduc.v31i1.3151 Go to original source...
    14. Coates, J., & Vickerman, P. B. (2016). Paralympic legacy: Exploring the impact of the games on the perceptions of young people with disabilities. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 33(4), 338-357. https://doi.org/10.1123/APAQ.2014-0237 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    15. Cottingham, M. (2015). Examining 'Inspiration': Perspectives of Stakeholders Attending a Power Wheelchair Soccer Tournament. Canadian Journal of Disability Studies, 4(1), 59. https://doi.org/10.15353/cjds.v4i1.188 Go to original source...
    16. D'Eloia, M. H., & Sibthorp, J. (2014). Relatedness for Youth With Disabilities. Journal of Leisure Research, 46(4), 462-482. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222216.2014.11950337 Go to original source...
    17. DePauw, K. P., & Gavron, S. J. (2005). Disability Sport (2nd ed.). Human Kinetics. Go to original source...
    18. Dorsch, T. E., Wright, E., Eckardt, V. C., Elliott, S., Thrower, S. N., & Knight, C. J. (2021). A history of parent involvement in organized youth sport: A scoping review. Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1037/spy0000266 Go to original source...
    19. Duncan, M. C. (2001). The sociology of ability and disability in Physical Activity. Sociology of Sport Journal, 18, 1-4. Go to original source...
    20. Elliott, M. D. (2007). Sport gave me something to wake up for: Aboriginal adults with disabilities speak about sport [Thesis]. University of Saskatchewan.
    21. Fleming, S., Hardman, A., Jones, C., & Sheridan, H. (2005). "Role models" among elite young male rugby league players in Britain. European Physical Education Review, 11(1), 51-70. https://doi.org/10.1177/1356336X05049824 Go to original source...
    22. Forber-Pratt, A. J. (2012). Dream. Drive. Do.: Becoming that "someone like me" [Dissertation]. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
    23. Frawley, S., & Cush, A. (2011). Major sport events and participation legacy: the case of the 2003 Rugby World Cup. Managing Leisure, 16(1), 65-76. https://doi.org/10.1080/13606719.2011.532605 Go to original source...
    24. Frick, B., & Wicker, P. (2016). The trickle-down effect: how elite sporting success affects amateur participation in German football. Applied Economics Letters, 23(4), 259-263. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504851.2015.1068916 Go to original source...
    25. Gibson, D. E. (2003). Developing the Professional Self-Concept: Role Model Construals in Early, Middle, and Late Career Stages. Organization Science, 14(5), 591-610. https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.14.5.591.16767 Go to original source...
    26. Gibson, D. E. (2004). Role models in career development: New directions for theory and research. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 65(1), 134-156. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0001-8791(03)00051-4 Go to original source...
    27. Goffman, E. (1964). Stigma: Notes on the Management of Spoiled Identity. Touchstone.
    28. Goodwin, D. L., Lieberman, L. J., Johnston, K., & Leo, J. (2011). Connecting through summer camp: Youth with visual impairments find a sense of community. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 28(1), 40-55. https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.28.1.40 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    29. Grue, J. (2016). The problem with inspiration porn: a tentative definition and a provisional critique. Disability and Society, 31(6), 838-849. https://doi.org/10.1080/09687599.2016.1205473 Go to original source...
    30. Guan, M., & So, J. (2016). Influence of Social Identity on Self-Efficacy Beliefs Through Perceived Social Support: A Social Identity Theory Perspective. Communication Studies, 67(5), 588-604. https://doi.org/10.1080/10510974.2016.1239645 Go to original source...
    31. Guest, A. M., & Cox, S. (2009). Using Athletes as Role Models? Conceptual and Empirical Perspectives from a Sample of Elite Women Soccer Players. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 4(4), 567-581. https://doi.org/10.1260/174795409790291385 Go to original source...
    32. Haegele, J. A., & Hodge, S. (2016). Disability Discourse: Overview and Critiques of the Medical and Social Models. Quest, 68(2), 193-206. https://doi.org/10.1080/00336297.2016.1143849 Go to original source...
    33. Heaney, C. A., & Israel, B. A. (2002). Social networks and social support. In K. Glanz, B. K. Rimer, & K. Viswanath (Eds.), Health behavior and health education: theory, research, and practice (4th ed., p. 552). Jossey-Bass.
    34. Kavanagh, E. (2012). Affirmation through disability: One athlete's personal journey to the London Paralympic Games. Perspectives in Public Health, 132(2), 68-74. https://doi.org/10.1177/1757913911435757 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    35. Kenyon, G. S., & McPherson, B. D. (1974). An Approach to the Study of Sport Socialization. International Review of Sport Sociology, 9(1), 127-139. https://doi.org/10.1177/101269027400900109 Go to original source...
    36. Kerstin, W., Gabriele, B., & Richard, L. (2006). What promotes physical activity after spinal cord injury? An interview study from a patient perspective. Disability and Rehabilitation, 28(8), 481-488. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638280500211932 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    37. Kirakosyan, L. (2021). Negotiating Multiple Identities of Brazilian Paralympians. Social Sciences, 10(8), 305. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci10080305 Go to original source...
    38. Krops, L. A., Folkertsma, N., Hols, D. H. J., Geertzen, J. H. B., Dijkstra, P. U., Dekker, R., & Krops, L. A. (2019). Target population's requirements on a community-based intervention for stimulating physical activity in hard-to-reach physically disabled people: An interview study. Disability and Rehabilitation, 41(19), 2272-2279. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2018.1462411 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    39. Larocca, V., Fraser-Thomas, J., & Bassett-Gunter, R. (2020). "Even if someone has a physical disability, they can still participate": Youth with physical disabilities' motivational physical activity message preferences. Disability and Health Journal, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dhjo.2019.100845 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    40. Levins, S. M., Redenbach, D. M., & Dyck, I. (2004). Individual and societal influences on participation in physical activity following spinal cord injury: A qualitative study. Physical Therapy, 84(6), 496-509. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/84.6.496 Go to original source...
    41. Li, E. P., Liu, Y., Lok, N. C., & Lee, V. W. (2006). Successful experience of people with Down syndrome. Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 10(2), 143-154. https://doi.org/10.1177/1744629506064010 Go to original source...
    42. Lockwood, P., Jordan, C. H., & Kunda, Z. (2002). Motivation by positive or negative role models: Regulatory focus determines who will best inspire us. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 83(4), 854-864. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.83.4.854 Go to original source...
    43. Lockwood, P., & Kunda, Z. (1997). Superstars and Me: Predicting the Impact of Role Models on the Self. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 73(1), 91-103. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.73.1.91 Go to original source...
    44. Maika, M. A. (2014). The "Other" athletes: Representations of disability in Canadian print media during the London 2012 Paralympic Games. January, 84. http://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/2594/
    45. May, R. A. B. (2009). The good and bad of it all: professional black male basketball players as role models for young black male basketball players. Sociology of Sport Journal, 26(3), 443-461. https://doi.org/10.1123/ssj.26.3.443 Go to original source...
    46. McLoughlin, G., Fecske, C. W., Castaneda, Y., Gwin, C., & Graber, K. (2017). Sport participation for elite athletes with physical disabilities: Motivations, barriers, and facilitators. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 34(4), 421-441. https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.2016-0127 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    47. Mutter, F., & Pawlowski, T. (2014a). Role models in sports - Can success in professional sports increase the demand for amateur sport participation? Sport Management Review, 17(3), 324-336. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smr.2013.07.003 Go to original source...
    48. Mutter, F., & Pawlowski, T. (2014b). The casual effect of professional sports on amateur sport participation: an instrumental variable approach. International Journal of Sport Finance, 9(2), 5034-5038. Go to original source...
    49. Pensgaard, A. M., & Sørensen, M. (2002). Empowerment through the sport context: A model to guide research for individuals with disability. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 19(1), 48-67. https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.19.1.48 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    50. Pullen, E., Jackson, D., Silk, M., & Scullion, R. (2019). Re-presenting the Paralympics: (contested) philosophies, production practices and the hypervisibility of disability. Media, Culture and Society, 41(4), 465-481. https://doi.org/10.1177/0163443718799399 Go to original source...
    51. Purdue, D. E. J., & Howe, P. D. (2012). Empower, inspire, achieve: (dis)empowerment and the Paralympic Games. Disability and Society, 27(7), 903-916. https://doi.org/10.1080/09687599.2012.695576 Go to original source...
    52. Qi, J., Cai, J.-H., & Meng, X. (2021). Impact of the Paralympic Games on the Beliefs of Children with Physical Disabilities Engaging in Sports and Physical Activities: A Chinese Perspective. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(14), 7296. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18147296 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    53. Rees, L., Robinson, P., & Shields, N. (2019). Media portrayal of elite athletes with disability-a systematic review. Disability and Rehabilitation, 41(4), 374-381. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2017.1397775 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    54. Roberts, G. A., Arnold, R., Gillison, F., Colclough, M., & Bilzon, J. (2020). Military veteran athletes' experiences of competing at the 2016 Invictus Games: a qualitative study. Disability and Rehabilitation, 43(24), 3552-3561. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2020.1725655 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    55. Ronkainen, N. J., Ryba, T. V., & Selänne, H. (2019). "She is where I'd want to be in my career": Youth athletes' role models and their implications for career and identity construction. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2019.101562 Go to original source...
    56. Rosenfeld, L. B., Richman, J. M., & Hardy, C. J. (1989). Examining Social Support Networks among Athletes: Description and Relationship to Stress. The Sport Psychologist, 3(1), 23-33. https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.3.1.23 Go to original source...
    57. Ruddell, J. L., & Shinew, K. J. (2006). The socialization process for women with physical disabilities: The impact of agents and agencies in the introduction to an elite sport. Journal of Leisure Research, 38(3), 421-444. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222216.2006.11950086 Go to original source...
    58. Sales, D., & Misener, L. (2021). Para sport development experiences: Perspectives of para swimmers and parents. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 38(4), 643-660. https://doi.org/10.1123/APAQ.2021-0024 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    59. Scarapicchia, T. M. F., Amireault, S., Faulkner, G., & Sabiston, C. M. (2017). Social support and physical activity participation among healthy adults: a systematic review of prospective studies. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 10(1), 50-83. https://doi.org/10.1080/1750984X.2016.1183222 Go to original source...
    60. Schalk, S. (2016). Reevaluating the Supercrip. Journal of Literary & Cultural Disability Studies, 10(1), 71-86. https://doi.org/10.3828/jlcds.2016.5 Go to original source...
    61. Shumaker, S. A., & Brownell, A. (1984). Toward a Theory of Social Support: Closing Conceptual Gaps. Journal of Social Issues, 40(4), 11-36. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4560.1984.tb01105.x Go to original source...
    62. Silva, C. F., & Howe, P. D. (2012). The (In)validity of Supercrip Representation of Paralympian Athletes. Journal of Sport and Social Issues, 36(2), 174-194. https://doi.org/10.1177/0193723511433865 Go to original source...
    63. Sollerhed, A. C., & Hedov, G. (2021). Active parents-active children-a study among families with children and adolescents with down syndrome. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(2), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18020660 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    64. Souza, D. L., & Brittain, I. (2022). The Rio 2016 Paralympic Games: inspiration as a possible legacy for disabled Brazilians. European Journal for Sport and Society, 19(1), 78-93. https://doi.org/10.1080/16138171.2021.1879363 Go to original source...
    65. Spreitzer, E., & Snyder, E. E. (1976). Socialization into Sport: An Exploratory Path Analysis. Research Quarterly. American Alliance for Health, Physical Education and Recreation, 47(2), 238-245. https://doi.org/10.1080/10671315.1976.10615367 Go to original source...
    66. Suits, B. (2018). The elements of sport. In W. J. Morgan (Ed.), Ethics in Sport (3rd ed.). Human Kinetics. Go to original source...
    67. Tajfel, H., & Turner, J. (2004). An Integrative Theory of Intergroup Conflict. In M. J. Hatch & M. Schultz (Eds.), Organizational Identity: a reader (pp. 56-65). Oxford University Press. Go to original source...
    68. Thrash, T. M., & Elliot, A. J. (2003). Inspiration as a Psychological Construct. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(4), 871-889. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.84.4.871 Go to original source...
    69. Thrash, T. M., & Elliot, A. J. (2004). Inspiration: Core characteristics, component processes, antecedents, and function. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 87(6), 957-973. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.87.6.957 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    70. Tricco, A. C., Lillie, E., Zarin, W., O'Brien, K. K., Colquhoun, H., Levac, D., Moher, D., Peters, M. D. J., Horsley, T., Weeks, L., Hempel, S., Akl, E. A., Chang, C., McGowan, J., Stewart, L., Hartling, L., Aldcroft, A., Wilson, M. G., Garritty, C., … Straus, S. E. (2018). PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR): Checklist and explanation. Annals of Internal Medicine, 169(7), 467-473. https://doi.org/10.7326/M18-0850 Go to original source... Go to PubMed...
    71. Wadey, R., & Day, M. (2018). A longitudinal examination of leisure time physical activity following amputation in England. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 37, 251-261. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2017.11.005 Go to original source...
    72. WHO. (2001). World Health Organization, Geneva. World Report on Child Injury Prevention. https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/42407/9241545429.pdf
    73. Winnick, J. P., & Porretta, D. L. (2017). Adapted Physical Education and Sport (6th ed.). Human Kinetics, Inc. https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.28.4.368 Go to original source...
    74. Wynnyk, K., & Spencer-Cavaliere, N. (2013). Children's Social Relationships and Motivation in Sledge Hockey. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 30(4), 299-316. https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.30.4.299 Go to original source...

    This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0), which permits use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original publication is properly cited. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.


    Return to the content