Collegiate Wheelchair Basketball Student-Athletes: An Examination of Image and Self-Esteem

When examining processes within the disabled/able-bodied dichotomy, athletic participation becomes a site for challenging social stigma associated with disabled bodies. Research shows that disabled individuals have lower selfesteem than the able- bodied population. However, those persons with disabilities who engage in sporting activities have a more favorable view of their body. Little research has examined disability classification (i.e., congenital vs. acquired) and its interaction with gender. The purpose of this research was to examine differences in type of disability and gender regarding body image and self-esteem of disabled athletes. Additionally, the research examined the impact of wheelchair basketball upon education- related variables. At the time of the research, subjects were collegiate wheelchair basketball student-athletes and included the entire population of collegiate wheelchair basketball studentathletes in the U.S. except for seven that were traveling out of the country during the tournament (n = 69). Survey information measuring self- esteem was gathered using the Rosenberg (1965) self- esteem scale (SES), and body image was computed into an index from survey questions influenced by previous literature regarding disabled athletes and body image (alpha 5.75). Results indicate some significant differences between self- esteem and body image based upon categories of gender and type of disability. Wheelchair basketball does not appear to negatively or positively impact education- related variables. Recommendations are discussed.