Navigating the Path of Exceptional Parenting: An Exploration of Experiences among Parents of Para-Athletes

This study explores the lived experiences of parents raising para-athletes, highlighting their challenges, coping mechanisms, and societal interactions. Utilizing a qualitative phenomenological approach, data were gathered through in-depth interviews with six parents from the 1st District of Capiz, Philippines. Findings reveal that while parents encounter financial, emotional, and social struggles, they employ various coping strategies, including advocacy, community support, and resilience. The study underscores the need for improved governmental and institutional support systems to enhance the quality of life for para-athletes and their families.

Para-athlete, parental experiences, coping strategies, societal treatment

1. Baker, J. K., Fenning, R. M., Crnic, K. A., Baker, B. L., & Blacher, J. (2017). Prediction of social [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. skills in 6-year-old children with and without developmental delays: Contributions of early regulation and maternal scaffolding. American Journal on Mental Retardation, 112(5), 375–391. https://doi.org/10.1352/0895-8017 (2007)112[0375:POSSIY]2.0.CO;2 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Bartko, W. T., & Eccles, J. S. (2022). Adolescent participation in structured and unstructured activities: A person-oriented analysis. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 32(4), 233– [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. https://doi.org/10.1023/a:1023056425648 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Beresford, B., Rabiee, P., & Sloper, P. (2015). Priorities and perceptions of disabled children and young people and their parents regarding outcomes from support services. Social Policy Research Unit, University of New York. http://www.york.ac.uk/inst/spru/research/pdf/prioritiesAPP.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Blacher, J., & Baker, B. L. (2021). Positive impact of intellectual disability on families. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. American Journal of Mental Retardation, 112(5), 330–348. https://doi.org/10.1352/08958017(2007)112[0330:PIOIDO]2.0.CO;2 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Bruce, A. J., Harman, M. J., & Baker, N. A. (2022). Anticipated social contact with persons in wheelchairs: Age and gender differences. Advances in Psychology Research, 1, 219–228. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Cardwell, S. (2024). What is a para athlete? Paralympics New Zealand. https://paralympics.org.nz/news/what-is-a-para-athlete/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Coates, J., & Howe, P. D. (2023). Parents in the parasport pathway: Parental experiences of facilitating their child’s engagement in competitive disability sport. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 35(6), 1050–1071. https://doi.org/10.1080/10413200.2023.2181464 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Cowen, P. S., & Reed, D. A. (2020). Effects of respite care for children with developmental disabilities: Evaluation of an intervention for at-risk families. Public Health Nursing, 19(4), 272–283. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1525-1446.2002.19407.x [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Dewinter, P. (2023). Parenthood: A parent-child bond to weave. Élhée. https://elhee.com/fr-all/blogs/le-journal-d-elhee/parentalite-lien-attachement-parent-enfant-tisser [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Eime, R. M., Young, J. A., Harvey, J. T., Charity, M. J., & Payne, W. R. (2014). A systematic review of the psychological and social benefits of participation in sport for children and adolescents: Informing development of a conceptual model of health through sport. International Journal of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity, 10, 98. https://doi.org/10.1186/1479-5868-10-98 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Heiman, T. (2022). Parents of children with disabilities: Resilience, coping, and future expectations. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 14(2), 159–171. http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1015219514621 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Husserl, E., & Osborn, A. D. (1932). Ideas: General introduction to pure phenomenology. The Journal of Philosophy, 29(6), 163. https://doi.org/10.2307/2015791 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Jorgensen, C. M., McSheehan, M., & Sonnenmeier, R. M. (2016). Presumed competence reflected in the educational programs of students with IDD before and after the beyond access professional development intervention. Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability, 32(4), 248–262. https://doi.org/10.1080/13668250701704238 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Kearny, R. (2016). Social security and the “D” in OASDI: The history of a federal program insuring earners against disability. Social Security Bulletin, 66(3). https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/ssb/v66n3/v66n3p1.html [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Lape, E. C., Katz, J. N., Losina, E., Kerman, H. M., Gedman, M. A., & Blauwet, C. A. (2018). Participant-reported benefits of involvement in an adaptive sports program. The Journal of Injury, Function, and Rehabilitation, 10(5), 507–515. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmrj.2017.10.008 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Lewis, R. B., & Doorlag, D. H. (2018). Teaching special students in general education classrooms (7th ed.). Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. MacDonald, J. A., & Kroon, J. (2017). The experiences of parents of para-athletes in a community-based adaptive sports program. Canadian Journal of Communication, 40(3), 279–297. https://doi.org/10.18082/cjc.v40i3.58654 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. Macías, M. R., Fuentes-Guerra, F. J. G., & Robles, M. T. A. (2022). The sport training process of para-athletes: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(12), 7242. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19127242 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. Masuku, K., Bornman, J., & Johnson, E. (2022). Access to healthcare for persons with disabilities in Eswatini: A triadic exploration of barriers. African Disability Rights Yearbook, 9, 87–112. https://doi.org/10.29053/2413-7138/2021/v9a7 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

23. Mazibuko, G. F. (2014). The received training and psychosocial needs of parents of children with special needs in Nhlangano area, in the Shiselweni region (Unpublished master's thesis). University of Swaziland, Kwaluseni, Swaziland. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

24. Melchor, D., & Howe, P. D. (2021). Parents in the parasport pathway: Parental experiences of facilitating their child’s engagement in competitive disability sport. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1080/10413200.2023.2181464 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

25. Mertens, D. (2015). Research and evaluation in education and psychology: Integrating diversity with quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods (4th ed.). Sage Publications. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

26. Moustakas, C. E. (1994). Phenomenological research methods. Sage Publications. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

27. Nickerson, C. (2024). Social constructionism theory: Definition and examples. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/socialconstructionism.html [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

28. Ohrberg, N. J. (2013). Autism spectrum disorder and youth sports: The role of the sports manager and coach. Journal of Physical Education Recreation & Dance, 84(9), 52–56. https://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.2013.838118 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

29. Pate, R. R., Trost, S. G., Levin, S., & Dowda, M. (2000). Sports participation and health-related behaviors among US youth. Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 154(9), 904. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpedi.154.9.904 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

30. Rosenbaum, P., & Gorter, J. W. (2011). The ‘F‐words’ in childhood disability: I swear this is how we should think! Child Care Health and Development, 38(4), 457–463. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2214.2011.01338.x [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Combined and Isolated Effect of SAQ Training and Resistance Training on Agility and Flexibility among Badminton Players
• Importance of Ashtanga Yoga in Physical Education and Mental Health
• Effects of a 12-Week Football Intervention on Mental Health and Psychological Resilience in Secondary School Students
• Academic Achievement, Enthusiasm and Attitude of High School Students Regarding Quizizz as an Educational Gamification Tool for Physics