Youth Sport Participation and Peer Support in the Context of Physical Disability: A Qualitative Perspective

Despite the benefits of sport participation, there is a limited understanding on how to initiate and maintain sport participation among youth with physical disabilities. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore the role of peers in supporting sport participation among youth with physical disabilities using self-determination theory’s (SDT) mini-theories as guiding frameworks. Interviews were conducted with eight youth with physical disabilities using youth-engaging strategies, and inductively-deductively thematic analysis. Youth participated in a variety of sports, predominantly at the recreational level. Peers’ changing roles throughout the youths’ progression was expressed in line with the three basic psychological needs of SDT. Multi-level need thwarting and supporting behaviours were also highlighted to play a role in sport engagement, and the manifestations of their sport internalization. Peers may assist in creating positive sport experiences for youth with physical disabilities by fulfilling the basic psychological needs of SDT.M.Sc.2017-06-30 00:00:0