Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the social experiences of emerging adults with disabilities within recreational sport programs. Focusing on the nature of social experiences during practice sessions as well as experiences transitioning into adult sport programs, the current research involved qualitative interviews and a group interview, along with researcher observations of athlete interactions during training sessions. A further goal was to develop an observational tool for coding social interactions within disability sport programs. Seven athletes from disability sport programs were observed and interviewed (28% female), with an intellectual impairment, as well as social, physical, or sensory impairments. Qualitative interviews and the group interview were thematically analyzed. A single training session in each program was recorded and coded using observational software, followed by analyses to describe the frequencies of social interactions and associations with athlete engagement. Observational findings demonstrated relatively greater interactions with coaches as opposed to teammates, with two athlete-cases illustrating associations between certain social interactions and engagement within the program. Interviews and the group interview provided insights into how social interactions influence athletes’ transition into adult programs – with a focus on the salience of parents as well as a reflection on how peers and coaches have influenced their sport experiences. In addition to providing a lens for exploring sport transitions, this research involved the preliminary development of an observational tool for social experiences in disability sport programs that may be used in further research and practice.
Highlights
Sport programs involve cohesive groups and social relationships among members and leaders, which can powerfully shape athletes’ sport experiences (Erickson, Wright, Kochanek & Vierimaa, 2020)
Peers are salient within the social environment of sport programs (Evans, Eys & Bruner, 2012), and are referred to as individuals who share similar characteristics to one another with or without pre-existing relationships (Loughead & Hardy, 2005)
Peers may include any of the social influencers within the sport context that one engages within programs
Summary
Sport programs involve cohesive groups and social relationships among members and leaders, which can powerfully shape athletes’ sport experiences (Erickson, Wright, Kochanek & Vierimaa, 2020). Ideal social environments might involve positive interpersonal relationships that promote program involvement, at the same time supporting well-being and personal development (Arnett, 2000). Social environments in sport settings may involve negative interactions that reduce motivation and harms program members. It is crucial to examine both the positive and negative influences of social interactions throughout athletes’ trajectories within sport. Peers are salient within the social environment of sport programs (Evans, Eys & Bruner, 2012), and are referred to as individuals who share similar characteristics to one another with or without pre-existing relationships (Loughead & Hardy, 2005). Peers can adopt roles that influence the overall athlete experience of the program (Eys et al, 2019; Orr et al, 2018)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
