Psychological Impact of Wheelchair Rugby and Its Differences Between American and Japanese Players

Authors

  • Shinichi Nagata Indiana University-Bloomington
  • Terry Long Northwest Missouri State University
  • Terry Robertson California State University-Long Beach
  • Matthew Symonds Northwest Missouri State University

Keywords:

Athletic identity, life satisfaction, self-esteem

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of wheelchair rugby participation on three psychological variables, as well as differences between American and Japanese wheelchair rugby players.  A total of 84 wheelchair rugby players (58 Americans and 26 Japanese) responded to an electronic survey designed to allow for both post-hoc and retrospective pretest measurements. The results of repeated measures ANOVA indicated a positive effects of wheelchair rugby participation on life satisfaction, self-esteem, and athletic identity. The results also indicated that Americans scored higher than Japanese participants in both pretest and posttest in life satisfaction and self-esteem. Americans also demonstrated greater improvement in life satisfaction.  Athletic identity was improved through wheelchair rugby participation but there were no differences between Americans and Japanese.

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