Wheelchair dancing and self-esteem in adolescents with physical disabilities

Authors

  • V Beck Department of Occupational Therapy University of the Free State
  • Y Calitz Department of Occupational Therapy University of the Free State
  • T Erwee Department of Occupational Therapy University of the Free State
  • C Engelbrecht Department of Occupational Therapy University of the Free State
  • E Odendaal Department of Occupational Therapy University of the Free State
  • L Roothman Department of Occupational Therapy University of the Free State
  • L van Eeden Department of Occupational Therapy University of the Free State
  • D de Villiers Department of Occupational Therapy University of the Free State
  • F C van Rooyen Department of Biostatistics University of the Free State

Abstract

Introduction Adolescents with physical disabilities are prone to a lowered self-esteem which can result in negative consequences for the individual as well as the community. It has been found that dancing has an influence on components of self-esteem.

Aim The aim of this study was to determine the influence of wheelchair dancing on the self-esteem of adolescents with physical disabilities.

Methods Twenty-four participants were involved in this quantitative study. A before-and-after experimental study design was used and included a control group. Structured interviews were conducted to obtain information. The experimental group participated in wheelchair dancing, while the control group did not.

Results A significant difference was observed with 72.7% of the intervention group displaying an increase in self-esteem, compared to 54.6% of the control group. Self-esteem manifested in an improvement in eye contact and sense of responsibility, amongst others.

Conclusion The researchers concluded that wheelchair dancing has a positive influence on the self-esteem of adolescents with physical disabilities.

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Published

09-09-2013

How to Cite

Wheelchair dancing and self-esteem in adolescents with physical disabilities. (2013). South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 43(2), 23-27. https://journals.assaf.org.za/index.php/sajot/article/view/19704
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