Relationship Between Motivation for Participation in Sports and Life Satisfaction in Disabled Athletes

Authors

  • Kezİban Yoka Niğde Ömer Halis Demir University's Institute of Social Sciences, Turkey
  • Ercan Polat Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat, Turkey
  • Osman Yoka Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
  • Mehmet Behzat Turan Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/PALAESTRA-2025-V39-I4-13388

Keywords:

Disabled, life satisfaction, motivation, sports

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the motivation of disabled athletes in our Turkey to participate in sports, the relationship of participation in sport with their life satisfaction, and the relationship of perceived life satisfaction with their lives. In addition, it was aimed to reveal how important it is for disabled athletes to participate in sports and be social for their life satisfaction level. According to the theory developed by Ryan and Deci (2000); when individuals’ intrinsic and extrinsic motivation needs are met, they participate in sports more willingly and this increases their life satisfaction. In the approach of Weiss and Hale (1996); sports provide not only physical but also psychological and social benefits such as increased self-confidence and stress management for disabled individuals. The current study, which examines the motivations of disabled individuals to participate in sports and its effects on life satisfaction, is based on these two approaches.  Results found that, while a moderate positive significant relationship was found between the life satisfaction sub-dimension of disabled athletes and the intrinsic and extrinsic motivation sub-dimension, a moderate negative relationship was found with the amotivation sub-dimension. In addition, no significant difference was found between the life satisfaction level of disabled athletes and gender, disability status, education levels and marital status. A significant difference was found between the motivation to participate in sports in athletes and education level, age, marital status, disability status and type of disability.

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Published

2025-12-18

Issue

Vol. 39 No. 4 (2025)

Section

Feature Articles

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