Wheeling to London 2012 : the psycho-social health and well-being of Great Britain's Wheelchair Basketball players over time
Year: 2016
Type: dissertation
Abstract: The purpose of this PhD was to explore the psycho-social health (PSH) and well-being (WB)\nof Great Britain’s (GB) Wheelchair Basketball (WhB) players over time, starting from when\nthey became disabled and culminating in the London 2012 Paralympic Games. The sample\ncomprised 16 players (8 male, 8 female) and 4 coaches. They were interviewed on three\noccasions – 2 years before, within a year of and a year after London. Observations spanned\nthis period, whilst data was also collected via two visual methods: auto-photography (AP)\nand timelining. All data was analysed using a thematic analytical approach. First the\nchallenges to PSH and WB of being disabled are discussed, with the diversity of experience\nhighlighted. Secondly in exploring the role of spinal units and story-tellers in initiating\nplayers into sport, a lottery which risked their PSH and WB is exposed. Whilst copious\nbenefits of recreational disability sport are described, being a GB WhB player is revealed as\nan extreme health rollercoaster. Just as being a Paralympian offers perks and privileges, so\ntoo does it risk players becoming obsessed. Performance and health are shown to be uniquely\nrelated and yet not always simultaneously achievable. Finally, from the pride of wearing the\njersey and competing at a home Paralympics, to shattered dreams and unfulfilled ambitions,\nLondon 2012 is relived. The research concludes that creating a ‘Healthy Paralympian’ is a\nchallenging task and yet winning formula. Recommendations are made to realise this aim,\nwhilst those which have already been adopted by GB WhB are also shared.
Author: Melanie Best
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2300245466