University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

An exploration of experiences in disability sports and mainstream sports environments for adolescents and young adults with physical disabilities

Fecske, Courtney J.W.

Content Files
FECSKE-DISSERTATION-2018.pdf

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/102435

Description

Title
An exploration of experiences in disability sports and mainstream sports environments for adolescents and young adults with physical disabilities
Author(s)
Fecske, Courtney J.W.
Issue Date
2018-11-16
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Rice, Laura
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Rice, Laura
Committee Member(s)
  • Alston, Reginald
  • Strauser, David
  • Piatt, Jennifer
Department of Study
Kinesiology & Community Health
Discipline
Community Health
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Date of Ingest
2019-02-06T19:32:52Z
Keyword(s)
Recreation Therapy, Sport Environment, Disability
Abstract
Little is known about the experiences of adolescents and young adults with physical disabilities participating in mainstream sport and disability sport environments. The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of individuals with physical disabilities who participated in mainstream and disability sport during their adolescent and young adult years. Further, this study aimed to compare and contrast the experiences gained between these differing sports environments. Participants (N=9, 8 Female, 1 Male, Mean Age: 25.22years) were recruited through email and word of mouth through snowball sampling. All participants completed two semi-structured interview protocol with the second interview including photo voice. Additionally, note taking and observations were made by the interviewer in order to gather an even more rich depth of data. Data analyses was framed through the theories of Symbolic Interactionism (SI) and Social Comparison Theory (SCT). Through coding by two trained qualitative researchers with experience in both sport and disability, seven themes emerged along with several subthemes. These themes included environmental consideration specifically related to mainstream sport, integrated disability sport, and disability sport, competition versus recreation, support of sport participation, socialization in sport, the meaning of sport experience, advocacy through sport, and athlete identity.
Graduation Semester
2018-12
Type of Resource
text
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/102435
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2018 Courtney Fecske

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