Abstract
Athletic Identity (AthID) is an aspect of the self-concept that refers to how one identifies with the role of an athlete and seeks acknowledgment of that role. This identity is not salient in all individuals, but AthID is activated for those who regard their athletic role as significant. Our objective was to develop a theoretical model to elucidate how Filipino para-athletes can cultivate their distinct athletic identity after acquiring a disability. The present study explored the athletic identities of 12 Filipino para-athletes, aged 24 to 63, who developed physical impairment and continued participating and competing in their chosen sports. Using the grounded theory method, we conducted in-depth interviews with our participants. Our findings showed that the transformation of athletes into para-athletes is a continuous journey shaped by internal reflections, external interactions, and personal development. This process ultimately leads to creating a distinct identity for para-athletes. It involves dealing with the challenges brought about by a disability, overcoming emotional and psychological obstacles, and ultimately embracing a para-athlete identity marked by inspiration, strength, and self-empowerment. Our athletic identity model of Filipino para-athletes suggests that transitioning from being an athlete to becoming a para-athlete is complex and diverse. This theory offers valuable knowledge about how people adjust and transform their sense of self after experiencing life-changing events.
Bahasa Abstract
Athletic Identity (AI) adalah aspek konsep diri yang mengacu pada bagaimana seseorang mengidentifikasi diri dengan peran sebagai seorang atlet dan mencari pengakuan atas peran tersebut. Identitas ini tidak menonjol pada semua individu, tetapi AthID diaktifkan bagi mereka yang menganggap peran sebagai atletik penting. Tujuan riset ini adalah mengembangkan model teoritis untuk menjelaskan bagaimana para-atlet Filipina dapat mengembangkan identitas atletik mereka yang berbeda setelah menjadi disabilitas. Studi ini mengeksplorasi identitas atletik dari 12 para-atlet Filipina, berusia 24 hingga 63 tahun, yang mengalami gangguan fisik dan terus berpartisipasi dan berkompetisi dalam olahraga pilihan mereka. Dengan menggunakan metode grounded theory, kami melakukan wawancara mendalam dengan partisipan kami. Temuan kami menunjukkan bahwa transformasi atlet menjadi para-atlet adalah perjalanan berkelanjutan yang dibentuk oleh refleksi internal, interaksi eksternal, dan pengembangan pribadi. Proses ini pada akhirnya mengarah pada penciptaan identitas yang berbeda untuk para-atlet. Ini melibatkan penanganan pada tantangan yang disebabkan oleh disabilitas, mengatasi hambatan emosional dan psikologis, dan akhirnya merangkul identitas para-atlet yang ditandai oleh inspirasi, kekuatan, dan pemberdayaan diri. Model identitas atletik para-atlet Filipina menunjukkan bahwa transisi dari menjadi atlet menjadi para-atlet adalah hal yang kompleks dan beragam. Teori ini menawarkan pengetahuan berharga tentang bagaimana orang menyesuaikan diri dan mengubah rasa akan diri mereka setelah mengalami peristiwa yang mengubah hidup.
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Recommended Citation
Lagundino, M. M., Reyes, M. S., & Cayubit, R. F. (2024). Identity after Impairment: Development of an Athletic Identity Model of Filipino Para-athletes. Makara Human Behavior Studies in Asia, 28(2). https://doi.org/10.7454/hubs.asia.1240524