Effects of integrated or segregated sport participation on the physical self for adolescents with intellectual disabilities.

BACKGROUND

The purpose was to examine the effects of the type of athletic programme (integrated vs. segregated) on the athletic domain of perceived competence and on general self-worth.

METHODS

Participants were 32 adolescent females with intellectual disabilities (ID), divided equally into four groups: (1) segregated swimming; (2) integrated swimming; (3) adapted physical activity; and (4) sedentary. The experimental treatment was 32 months long; for sport groups, this involved 2 h of training each week and 12 competitive meets. The Harter Self-Perception Profile for Children 11 times was administrated to determine changes in perceived physical competence and general self-worth.

RESULTS

Results indicated (1) no change in perceived general self-worth for the four groups; (2) significantly lower perceived athletic competence only for the integrated swimming group, despite the increase in athletic performance.

CONCLUSIONS

The integrated sport participation for adolescents with ID placed in segregated school is useful but needs to be well controlled by professional in physical education.