Empowering motivation: the journey of wheelchair basketball athletes to overcome constraints

Abstract

IntroductionThe aim of this phenomenological study is to determine the motivational factors in the participation of wheelchair basketball players in sports according to Self-Determination Theory.MethodsThe study group of the research was determined by the criterion sampling method, which is one of the purposeful sampling methods. Accordingly, thirteen (13) wheelchair athletes constituted the study group. In the research, a personal information form and a semi-structured interview form were prepared as data collection tools within the framework of the self-determination theory. Interviews were conducted face-to-face with the prepared interview forms. The data were analyzed by reflexive thematic analysis method.ResultsSix (6) themes emerged: constraints, coping strategies, appreciation, positive feedback, need for existence, and development. Sixteen sub-themes related to these themes were identified.ConclusionThe most significant factors causing a lack of motivation in wheelchair basketball athletes were observed to be structural constraints such as access to materials and facilities. Extrinsic sources of motivation were identified as the positive attitudes and behaviors of individuals in their environment, often related to admiration, appreciation, and being set as an example, and this situation has a positive impact on wheelchair basketball athletes. On the other hand, it can be stated that intrinsic motivations such as identity change, gaining self-confidence, and the feeling of success are crucial in overcoming constraints through sports participation.

Wheelchair Basketball Athletes' Participation in Sports: An Examination within the Scope of the Social Model

“…Moreover, personal barriers such as economic hardships, lack of personal transportation, the psychological repercussions of disability, and challenges in social adaptation also pose significant barriers to sports participation. In line with the findings of this study, Sarol (2024) similarly reported that structural issues such as transportation, equipment, accommodation, and financial constraints faced by clubs were primary barriers for participants. Additionally, it is noted that the use of prosthetics, susceptibility to infectious diseases associated with disability, and difficulties in limb mobility further hinder individuals' participation in sports.…”

“…Additionally, the study concludes that challenges associated with using prosthetics, acquiring disabilities later in life, and health issues stemming from disability significantly impact sports participation, findings supported by existing literature (Jaarsma et al, 2014a;Jaarsma et al, 2014b;Sarol, 2024). Furthermore, is highlighted that participants face negative attitudes from their supervisors due to their employment status and that comparing the performance of disabled individuals with other employees has adverse consequences.…”

“…Moreover, participants underscored the manifold psychological benefits gained through sports participation, such as stress relief, self-realization, shifts in perspective, and heightened self-confidence. Sarol (2024) similarly concluded that individuals participating in wheelchair basketball experience a transformation in identity and outlook on life, leading to an improvement in their overall quality of life. Furthermore, participants highlighted the positive psychological impacts of wheelchair basketball, such as the opportunity to express inner emotions, release tension, and experience a sense of liberation.…”

“…Under the theme "Disability Couldn't Disable Me," participants emphasized the pivotal role of support from family, coaches, and teammates in facilitating their sports participation. Sarol (2024) similarly emphasized in their study that the club environment, akin to a family, along with recognition and support from family, friends, and neighbors, serve as significant sources of motivation for sports participation. Likewise, McLoughlin et al (2017) concluded in their study that social support plays a crucial role in facilitating sports participation.…”

“…It is observed that besides the barriers encountered by physically disabled individuals in many areas of life, they also encounter various inhibiting factors in the field of sports . A review of the literature reveals several such impediments, including transportation challenges (Esatbeyoğlu and Karahan, 2014;Durmuş and Sarol, 2023;Kumcağız and Çayır, 2018;Küçük, 2024;Uzun et al, 2023), negative attitudes (Argan et al, 2021;Koçak et al, 2023), economic constraints (Murphy et al, 2008), health issues stemming from physical disabilities (Jaarsma et al, 2014a;Jaarsma et al, 2014b;Sarol, 2024), lack of energy (Jaarsma et al, 2015), and time constraints (McLoughlin et al, 2017). Moreover, inadequate training of trainers (Shields and Synnot, 2014;Ünlü et al, 2024), inappropriate facilities and equipment for disabled individuals (Caracci, 2019;Columna et al, 2017;Sarol, 2024;Shields and Synnot, 2016;Çeviker, 2017), and societal unawareness (Arnell et al, 2020;Ballas et al, 2022) have been identified as additional inhibiting factors affecting sports participation.…”