Supporting the Basic Psychological Needs of Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

A subtheory of self-determination theory, basic needs theory (BNT), examines the ways in which social-environmental factors interact with athletes' physical and psychological wellness. When the three psychological needs (autonomy, competence and relatedness) identified in BNT are met in a sport setting, athletes' perceptions of well-being and motivation can be predicted to rise. Despite extensive research focused on the basic psychological needs of neurotypical athletes, little research has been conducted to investigate the role of sport participation in the self-concept and perceived competency of people with intellectual disabilities. In an effort to begin to fill this knowledge gap, this article presents an overview of the psychological needs identified in BNT, as well as suggestions for ways in which coaches of athletes with intellectual disabilities can support their athletes' feelings of autonomy, competence and relatedness.