Psychological Characteristics of Iranian Para-athletes

authors:

avatar Seyed Mohammad Kazem Vaez Mousavi ORCID 1 , avatar Afrooz Mousavi 2 , * , avatar Fariba Mohammadi ORCID 3

Prof. of Sport Psychology, Physical Education and Sport Sciences Department, Imam Hossein University, Tehran, Iran
Ph.D. in Sport Psychology, National Olympic Academy, Tehran, Iran
Assistant Prof. of Sport Injuries and Corrective Exercises, Sports Medicine Research Centre, Sport Sciences Research Institute, Tehran, Iran
Journal of Motor Control and Learning: Vol.3, issue 3; 46-56
published online: August 31, 2021
article type: Research Article
received: April 24, 2021
accepted: July 28, 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52547/ijmcl.3.3.46

how to cite: Vaez Mousavi S M K, Mousavi A, Mohammadi F. Psychological Characteristics of Iranian Para-athletes. J Motor Control Learn. 2021;3(3):e146559. https://doi.org/10.52547/ijmcl.3.3.46.

Abstract

Fulltext

Background:  During last two decades, researchers have become more interested in psychological development of para-athletes. In fact, psycho-social benefits of para sport are apparent in psychosocial development of para-athletes that needs further consideration.
Objective: The objective of this study was to study psychological characteristics of Iranian para-athletes.
 Methods: A number of 60 purposefully selected Paralympic and Para-Asian athletes (40 males and 20 females) participated in a quasi-structured interview; data were analyzed thematically.
Results: After preliminary processes, para-athletes’ psychological characteristics were categorized in four groups: Athletic identity, mental skills, virtuous relationships, and needs for consultation; each category covers several codes.
Conclusions: Findings are discussed in relation to their significance in para-athlete’s mental health, well-being, and performance. Using psychological characteristics of para-athletes as models to train younger athletes and employing a comprehensive approach to train sport psychologist are suggested.