Psychosocial and athletic determinants of intention for continuing participation in training and competition in disabled athletes

Abstract

Experiences of flow, perceived athletic competence and passion have been linked to sport engagement and performance among non-disabled athletes, but there is little evidence in the case of disabled athletes. In the present study with correlational design, we explored flow, perceived competence and harmonious and obsessive passion in athletes with disabilities from different sports and competition levels, and their influence on athletes’ intention to continue participation in training and competition. Zero-order correlations and multivariate linear regression analyses were conducted. The participants reported moderately high levels of flow, particularly during their best competition, and high levels of perceived athletic competence and passion for sports, particularly harmonious passion. Among the psychosocial and athletic factors considered, the intention for future practice was predicted by perceived competence, while the intention for future competition was predicted by the participant’s obsessive passion and competition level. Interventions aimed at enhancing sport participation and performance in disabled athletes should consider these powerful psychological resources.