Unveiling the Influence of Competitive Sports on the Sense of Self and Identity of Disabled Veterans: A Systematic Review and Mixed-Methods Synthesis

Abstract

ABSTRACT Veterans can encounter identity struggles upon departure from the military which are intensified if veterans have sustained a disability or life altering injury. Physical activity has been shown to empower disabled veterans to cultivate a positive post injury identity. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize the evidence available on disabled veterans’ experience participating in competitive sport and explore the impact competing has on their self-identity. Studies were eligible if they were: 1) Published in English between 2012–2023 in a peer reviewed journal; 2) included veterans with a disability who participated in competitive sports; 3) explored veterans’ self-identity. Searches were conducted in four databases: SportDiscus; PsycInfo; Psycharticles; EBSCO. Nine articles met the eligibility criteria. Studies were assessed and a convergent integrated mixed methods synthesis was carried out. Findings were aggregated into three themes: 1) The importance of social connections for self-identity; 2) Self-views and quality of life; 3) Sport and the establishment of a new self. Competitive sport enables disabled veterans to cultivate a positive post-injury identity, whilst also restoring an affiliation with their previous military identity. Findings suggest that competing in sports positively impacts disabled veterans’ identity recovery.