The Role of Personal Values in Sports Participation Among Young People with Disabilities: A Cluster and Profile Analysis

Anetta Müller (), Katalin Mező, Ferenc Mező, Éva Bácsné Bába, Nóra Laoues-Czimbalmos and Attila Lengyel
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Anetta Müller: Institute of Sports Economics and Management, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
Katalin Mező: Institute of Special Educational Needs, Faculty of Education for Children and Special Educational Needs, University of Debrecen, 4220 Hajdúböszörmény, Hungary
Ferenc Mező: Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Pedagogy, Eszterházy Károly Catholic University, 3300 Eger, Hungary
Éva Bácsné Bába: Institute of Sports Economics and Management, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
Nóra Laoues-Czimbalmos: Department of Complex Arts and Health Education, Faculty of Education for Children and Special Educational Needs, University of Debrecen, 4220 Hajdúböszörmény, Hungary
Attila Lengyel: Coordination and Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Debrecen, 5000 Szolnok, Hungary

Disabilities, 2025, vol. 5, issue 2, 1-22

Abstract: Sports participation among young people with disabilities offers significant physical, psychological, and social benefits, yet participation rates remain lower than among their non-disabled peers. This study, conducted in Hungary, explores how value orientations, health perceptions, and disability characteristics interact to shape sports engagement. Using a cluster analysis approach, we identified three distinct groups based on how young individuals with disabilities prioritize various life aspects. Data were collected through a survey of 771 participants aged 8–18, including individuals with diverse disability types. K-means clustering revealed three profiles: (1) a low sports activity group with moderate health consciousness, (2) a health-conscious group with broad life engagement but lower sports participation, and (3) a sports-oriented group that demonstrated strong interest in sports despite reporting lower self-rated health. The findings suggest that personal value orientation is a stronger predictor of sports participation than disability type or perceived health status. Furthermore, access to sports facilities alone does not guarantee participation, emphasizing the need for motivational and psychological interventions. These results highlight the importance of tailored, value-driven strategies in promoting physical activity among young people with disabilities, shifting focus from disability-specific adaptations to broader engagement-based approaches.

Keywords: sports participation; disability; cluster analysis; youth engagement; health perception; value orientation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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