Wheelchair dancing and self-esteem in adolescents with physical disabilities

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.