Abstract
The purpose of this study is to examine the importance of disability acceptance among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) participating in the Sport for All program through self-help group activities with other individuals with SCI. This study investigated whether disability acceptance mediates the relationship between self-efficacy and life satisfaction and between sense of belonging and life satisfaction. Subjects were 142 individuals with SCI participating in the self-help group with other sports activities including para table tennis, swimming, wheelchair rugby, and weight training. A simple mediation effect analysis showed that disability acceptance significantly mediated the relationship between self-efficacy and life satisfaction (indirect effect, b = 0.219) and between the sense of belonging and life satisfaction (indirect effect, b = 0.289). The results suggest the importance of disability acceptance for individuals with SCI participating in “Sports for All” programs.
Highlights
Most spinal cord injuries (SCI) result in paralysis in the body from damage to the spinal cord due to an unexpected accident
We examined the positive role of disability acceptance in the relationship between self-efficacy, sense of belonging, and life satisfaction among individuals with SCI participating in Sports for All
Our results suggest that participation in self-help groups and group activity programs can increase disability acceptance for individuals with SCI, which can have vast psychological benefits
Summary
Most spinal cord injuries (SCI) result in paralysis in the body from damage to the spinal cord due to an unexpected accident. The Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare reported that for 90.5% of the population with severe disabilities, such as those with SCI, most injuries were due to traffic or industrial accidents [8]. According to the report of the National Center for Spinal Cord Injury Statistics, 91.9% were reported to be caused by traffic accidents, falls, or violence [9]. Such acquired disabilities can, at times, be accompanied by psychological problems, such as anxiety, because of the sudden and permanent loss of physical functions [10], as well as depression, anger, hostility, and violent actions [11]. It is considered important to approach these psychological factors for individuals with SCI
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