RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
A1 Van de Vliet, Peter
A1 Van Biesen, Debbie
A1 Vanlandewijck, Yves C.
T1 ATHLETIC IDENTITY AND SELF-ESTEEM IN FLEMISH ATHLETES WITH A DISABILITY
JF European Journal of Adapted Physical Activity
YR 2008
VO 1
IS 1
SP 9
OP 21
DO 10.5507/euj.2008.001
UL https://eujapa.upol.cz/artkey/euj-200801-0001.php
AB 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.