Self-leadership differences between athletes with and without physical disability

Abstract

Introduction: Self-leadership is a psychological concept that display an impressive potential in the enhance of individual performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceived levels of use of self-leadership strategies by athletes and to explore the existence of potential individual differences in self-leadership strategies by athletes with and without physical disability. Material and methods: Participants were a sample of 469 athletes, 245 with physical disability and 224 without physical disability (n = 312 men, and n = 157 women). Participants’ ages were 16-51 years old (age 24.82±7.32 yrs). The subjects filled a validated Greek version of the Revised Self-leadership Questionnaire (RSLQ). Results: Results showed some positive self-leadership tendencies, and significant individual differences in the use of self-leadership strategies (self-reward p<0.001; ES=0.029, self-punishment p<0.01; ES=0.017, natural rewards p<0.001; ES=0.026, visualizing p<0.001; ES=0.023, and self-talk p<0.001; ES=0.032) between athletes with and without physical disability. Conclusions: In conclusion, the findings of the present study support that athletes with different physical abilities are not exactly alike in the self-leadership abilities. It is considered useful when a coach is concerned about their athletes’ self-leadership training.