Psychological Impact of Sport on Disabled Athletes

Of 161 physically disabled participants, 139 were actively involved in athletic competition or were undergoing systematic training for an athletic event. The participants were classified into 4 groups: 33 amputees, 46 blind persons, 15 cerebral palsied, and 22 disabled nonathletes. Multiple discriminant analyses suggested that group membership could be predicted with 811% success for disabled athletes and 71 4% for disabled nonathletes. The results suggest that, when all variables are considered, these disabled athletes have significantly higher self-esteem, exhibit greater life satisfaction and happiness, are more externalized, and attain more education than disabled nonathletes. Psychosocial functioning of disabled individuals might be enhanced through active participation in athletic events.