Orthopedic disability and socioemotional functioning

Background: The major aim of the study was to examine self-concept, emotional stability, and sociability of Turkish adolescents with orthopedic disability, and the links between these domains and sport participation. Method: Participants of the study were 95 students in grades 5-12 (mean age, 15.44 +/- 2.40 years). They were recruited from two boarding schools established for youth with orthopedic disabilities. Parents of the adolescents participated in the study by completing a form to provide information about the child, his/her condition (e.g. first appearance, severity, treatment), and the household in general. Adolescents filled in self-report scales that were developed to measure self-concept, emotional stability, and sociability. Results: Hierarchical multiple regression indicated that regular engagement in sports significantly predicted self-concept of adolescents with orthopedic disability, and the predictive value of playing sport was significant even after differences in participant age, sex, and severity of the disability were taken into account. Emotional stability and sociability of adolescents with disability were predicted by sports playing but to a low degree. Conclusion: Study findings underline the importance of understanding social aspects of disability, and the positive association between playing sports and an individuals positive beliefs about oneself.