Putting the Athlete First: a Comprehensive Assessment of Elite Para Athlete Well-Being

Abstract

Our aim was to comprehensively assess the well-being of athletes in Paralympic sports and determine if their results are comparable to other elite athlete populations. Participants (Para, n = 103; Olympic, n = 193; 56% female) were invited to complete an online questionnaire measuring subjective, psychological, social, and physical well-being. Using ANOVA analyses, Para athletes had comparable well-being to Olympic sport athletes across most dimensions. Para athletes recorded significantly lower physical well-being compared to Olympic sport athletes (p < 0.01). Well-being differences between male and female athletes were observed across dimensions of psychological (autonomy, personal growth, positive relation with others) and social well-being (actualization, integration). There were more well-being similarities between Para and Olympic sport athletes, than differences, suggesting the well-being of Para athletes is similar to their Olympic counterparts. The principle of athlete-first and a client-centered approach are discussed with respect to athlete well-being.