Unveiling the influence of competitive sports on the sense of self and identity of disabled veterans: A systematic review and mixed-methods synthesis
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Hendrick, A., Binks, E., Ferguson, N., & Di Lemma, L. (2024). Unveiling the influence of competitive sports on the sense of self and identity of disabled veterans: A systematic review and mixed-methods synthesis. Identity, 24(3), 194-212. https://doi.org/10.1080/15283488.2024.2346257
Abstract Created by REACH:
The purpose of this systematic review was to identify and synthesize peerreviewed studies about disabled Veterans’ experiences playing competitive sports to explore the impact of participation on Veterans’ identity and sense of self. 6 qualitative studies and 3 quantitative studies (K = 9) published 2012–2023 met the inclusion criteria. The quality of each study was assessed, and the results from all studies were extracted, combined, and organized into 3 themes. Overall, competitive sports provided Veterans with social connection, improved their self-view and quality of life, and helped them establish an identity outside of the military.
Focus:
Physical health
Mental health
Programming
Veterans
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Subject Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Methodology:
Review of Literature
Authors:
Hendrick, Anna, Binks, Eve, Ferguson, Neil, Di Lemma, Lisa
Abstract:
Veterans can encounter identity struggles upon departure from the military which are intensified if veterans have sustained a disability or life altering injury. Physical activity has been shown to empower disabled veterans to cultivate a positive post injury identity. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize the evidence available on disabled veterans’ experience participating in competitive sport and explore the impact competing has on their self-identity. Studies were eligible if they were: 1) Published in English between 2012–2023 in a peer reviewed journal; 2) included veterans with a disability who participated in competitive sports; 3) explored veterans’ self-identity. Searches were conducted in four databases: SportDiscus; PsycInfo; Psycharticles; EBSCO. Nine articles met the eligibility criteria. Studies were assessed and a convergent integrated mixed methods synthesis was carried out. Findings were aggregated into three themes: 1) The importance of social connections for self-identity; 2) Self-views and quality of life; 3) Sport and the establishment of a new self. Competitive sport enables disabled veterans to cultivate a positive post-injury identity, whilst also restoring an affiliation with their previous military identity. Findings suggest that competing in sports positively impacts disabled veterans’ identity recovery.
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Keywords:
self, identity, disabilites, veteran, sport
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
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