Mirna Baalbaki
Research Mentor: Sandy Zalmout
Mentor Department: ICPSR, ISR
Author(s): Mirna Baalbaki, Kathleen Ignatoski, Sandy Zalmout
Session: Session 4 (1:00 PM – 1:50 PM)
Presentation Type: Poster 6
Abstract
Adaptive sports are usually known for the physical benefits that they offer, but they also affect mental health and social connection for disabled athletes. Something that has not been looked at as much and it’s kind of lets say underrated is how neurodivergent athletes feel in these spaces, especially in terms of belonging and overall well-being. Research shows adaptive sports can improve confidence, mood, and friendships, but it doesn’t really focus on how neurodiverse experiences might shape those outcomes. For this project, I am doing a scoping review to look through existing research on adaptive sports and how they might impact mental health, belonging as well as well-being for disabled and neurodivergent athletes. I organized the studies into themes such as psychological well-being, community inclusion, and independence, as well as barriers to participation. I also included reflections from volunteering with the University of Michigan Adaptive Sports program, which actually helps connect what I’m reading to real-life experiences. So far what I am seeing is that adaptive sports are linked to better mood, stronger confidence, and social connection. Also, and at the same time, neurodivergent athletes are not well represented in research. This project highlights those gaps and it also shows why more inclusive research is needed. The main goal actually is to support adaptive sports programs in creating more spaces where all athletes feel included, supported, and able to participate in meaningful ways.
