Investigation of Self-efficacy and Coping Strategies of Wheelchair Users

The aim is the comparison of self-efficacy levels and coping strategies of wheelchair-bound athletes and non-sports wheelchair users. Material and Methods: 50 wheelchair user subjects were included in this study. Individuals have been divided into 2 groups as individuals who have been active in sports for at least 2 years and who do not play sports. Socio-demographic information form Self Efficacy Scale (SES) and Coping Strategy Indicator (CSI) was used. Results: The average age of wheelchair-bound athletes is 32.9 ± 8.99 with average 9.55 ± 9.75 years of wheelchair use. While there was no significant difference between "initiate behavior" and "continuing behavior" subscales of the SES subscales between wheelchair-bound athletes and non-sports wheelchair users, there was a significant difference in the subscales of "completing the behavior", "struggling with the obstacles" and the total score of SES (p <0.05). While there was no statistically significant difference in the "social support search" and "avoidance" scales of the CSI subscales; statistically significant difference was found in the "problem solving" subscale (p <0.05). Conclusion: In our study, sports increase the self-efficacy levels and ability to cope with problems of wheelchair users. So, we believe that directing physically handicapped individuals to do sports will help them gain constructive and functional problem solving skills. We suggest that the physically handicapped individuals should be encouraged to participate in sports