Is Self-Efficacy Related to the Quality of Life in Elite Athletes after Spinal Cord Injury?

Agata Goraczko, Alina Zurek, Maciej Lachowicz, Katarzyna Kujawa and Grzegorz Zurek
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Agata Goraczko: Department of Biostructure, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland
Alina Zurek: Institute of Psychology, University of Wroclaw, 50-527 Wroclaw, Poland
Maciej Lachowicz: Department of Biostructure, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland
Katarzyna Kujawa: Department of Biostructure, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland
Grzegorz Zurek: Department of Biostructure, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 20, 1-9

Abstract: Background: A spinal cord injury (SCI) is a traumatic event that affects every aspect of life: physical, mental, economic, and social. The main aim of this study was to investigate self-efficacy, quality of life, and their correlations among outstanding athletes who have suffered spinal cord injuries, and to determine whether these individuals have specific psychological characteristics that contribute to a better quality of life. Methods: The study involved nine athletes with at least national-level achievements in sports prior to an SCI. Participation in the study consisted of an interview via an online communicator, followed by an online questionnaire consisting of a personal questionnaire and two scales: The World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale (WHOQoL-BREF), and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES). Results: Spearman’s correlation showed a correlation between general self-efficacy, perception of quality of life, and satisfaction with own physical health, as well as psychological resources and environmental support. Conclusions: Involvement in an environment that was important to the injured person before the accident, in either a passive (in the absence of functional capacity) or active form, promotes a greater sense of self-efficacy and good QoL, regardless of the time that has passed since the accident, and despite high levels of pain or secondary health issues. To fill the gap in professional long-term healthcare services for athletes after SCIs, intervention programs should be considered that support self-efficacy, which is an important factor that can be subject to improvement.

Keywords: quality of life; self-efficacy; spinal cord injury; elite athletes; sport (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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