Understanding posttraumatic growth of paratriathletes with acquired disability

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the relevance of key components of Organismic Valuing Theory of Growth through Adversity in understanding posttraumatic growth amongst paratriathletes with acquired disability.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews informed by organismic valuing theory of growth through adversity were conducted with 14 elite paratriathletes (eight male, six female). To increase the likelihood that participants had experienced posttraumatic growth, a short form of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory was completed prior to interview participation. Interview data were analyzed using directed content analysis.

Results: Although the initial response to disability was largely negative, paratriathlon experiences were reported to be a mechanism through which growth was facilitated. In particular, participants suggested that social, competence, empowerment, and identity development processes were instrumental in facilitating posttraumatic growth.

Conclusions: Analysis identified themes largely consistent with the main tenets of organismic valuing theory of growth through adversity, supporting its utility in understanding response to a traumatic event and subsequent growth. These findings also suggest that para sport may be an efficacious means for promoting posttraumatic growth, especially for individuals with severe initial reactions to their disability. Lastly, findings suggest that fostering perceptions of competence, autonomy, and social connection may promote posttraumatic growth.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Acquiring a physical disability may have a detrimental impact on the satisfaction of an individual’s fundamental psychological needs.

• In order to foster posttraumatic growth, the para sport environment should allow for participants to feel competent, autonomous, and to have meaningful interactions with fellow athletes and coaches.

• Para sport may be particularly beneficial for individuals with previous sporting backgrounds and for those with severe initial reactions to their disability.

Keywords:

• Para sport
• adaptive sport
• organismic valuing theory
• physical activity
• trauma

Disclosure statement

The present study was self-funded. There are no conflicts of interest and no financial benefits to the authors.