Social influences in recreational sport programs for emerging adults with a disability: A preliminary examination using a mixed methods approach

The purpose of this study was to examine the social experiences of emerging adults with disabilities within recreational sport programs. Focusing on the nature of social experiences during practice sessions as well as experiences transitioning into adult sport programs, the current research involved qualitative interviews and a group interview, along with researcher observations of athlete interactions during training sessions. A further goal was to develop an observational tool for coding social interactions within disability sport programs. Seven athletes from disability sport programs were observed and interviewed (28% female), with an intellectual impairment, as well as social, physical, or sensory impairments. Qualitative interviews and the group interview were thematically analyzed. A single training session in each program was recorded and coded using observational software, followed by analyses to describe the frequencies of social interactions and associations with athlete engagement. Observational findings demonstrated relatively greater interactions with coaches as opposed to teammates, with two athlete-cases illustrating associations between certain social interactions and engagement within the program. Interviews and the group interview provided insights into how social interactions influence athletes’ transition into adult programs – with a focus on the salience of parents as well as a reflection on how peers and coaches have influenced their sport experiences. In addition to providing a lens for exploring sport transitions, this research involved the preliminary development of an observational tool for social experiences in disability sport programs that may be used in further research and practice.