The relationship between multidimensional social support and well-being in disability sport

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the relationships among perceived social support, perceived available support in sport, team cohesion, grit, sport engagement, and life satisfaction among disability sport athletes. Twenty-four athletes from Israel and Belgium, aged 22 to 65, 87.5% male (n = 24) and 12.5% female (n = 3), with physical disabilities participated. The results showed significant positive correlations between team cohesion and sport engagement (r = 0.44, p < 0.05) and life satisfaction (r = 0.57, p < 0.01). Team cohesion was also linked to perceived social support (r = 0.55, p < 0.01). Finally, grit and sport engagement (r = 0.50, p < 0.01) and perceived social support and sport engagement (r = 0.50, p < 0.05) were correlated. These findings underscore the importance of supportive social environments inside and outside of sport in potentially enhancing athlete well-being.