Most people with intellectual disabilities have comorbid health conditions, which will impact opt... more Most people with intellectual disabilities have comorbid health conditions, which will impact optimization of sporting performance. Classification is used in Paralympic events to ensure that those with similar levels of functional ability compete fairly against each other. An evidence-based approach needs to be developed for athletes with intellectual disabilities to be classified in relation to their overall functional capacity into competition groups of similar ability. This research builds on previous work using the taxonomy of The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to group athletes with intellectual disabilities into comparable competition groups as an approach to Paralympic classification. Three groups of athletes—Virtus, Special Olympics, and Down syndrome—are compared using the ICF questionnaire indicating functional health status in relation to sporting performance. The questionnaire was found to discriminate between athletes with Down ...
This paper plots the development of the BPS Psychology of Women Section (POWs) from its inception... more This paper plots the development of the BPS Psychology of Women Section (POWs) from its inception to the recent adoption of the new title of Psychology of Women and Equalities Section. Alongside this I reflect upon my own passage through my professional career in psychology, considering the interplay of my reflections as a ‘woman in psychology’ with the aims and ambitions of POWs. I set out four main endeavours; researching the things we are interested in, in the ways we wish to, finding a place in mainstream psychology and having an impact. I consider how well these aims have been achieved both from my personal perspective but also from the viewpoint of the section, and critically evaluate if POWs has, and will have, the power to change.
This short video will tell you the inspiring story of how athletes with intellectual disabilities... more This short video will tell you the inspiring story of how athletes with intellectual disabilities have re-joined the Paralympics for London 2012. You will hear from athletes, the GB Head Coach, the GB Team Manager, the Chief Exec. of the UK Sports Association and the Head of Eligibility for Inas, what is involved to become eligible to compete on this world stage, and the anticipated legacies of London 2012 for athletes with intellectual disabilities. The video describes the classification process which recently won the Research Councils UK gold award for ‘Exceptional Research’ at the Podium Awards.
Aim: The purpose of this study was to examine the psychosocial impact of involvement in the Speci... more Aim: The purpose of this study was to examine the psychosocial impact of involvement in the Special Olympics. Method: A cross sectional design was employed comparing two groups, sports active through the Special Olympics (SO) and non-sport active participants with intellectual disabilities. One hundred participants completed validated measures of self-esteem, quality of life, stress levels and social networks. Qualitative data was also collected from SO participants about what they perceived as the benefits of involvement in sports. Results: Analysis revealed that higher levels of self-esteem, quality of life, social networks and lower stress levels were significantly associated with involvement in the Special Olympics. A logistic regression analysis showed self-esteem to be a good predictor of group membership, those in the Special Olympics having higher self-esteem. Qualitative responses from the SO group confirmed the social support provided by SO involvement was perceived as an ...
Evidence suggests that people with intellectual disabilities may be vulnerable to increased socia... more Evidence suggests that people with intellectual disabilities may be vulnerable to increased social isolation, low levels of self-esteem and high levels of stress, in addition to low levels of physical health. Such factors have been shown to have negative impacts on mental health and there is a higher level of psychological and psychiatric problems within this population compared to people without intellectual disabilities. For many people participation in sport has been shown to be an effective intervention with regard to both building resilience against and addressing psychological distress and of course, improving physical well-being. However, there is little research on the psychosocial impact of sports involvement for people with intellectual disabilities. This paper will present the findings of research to date and also report on some recent research demonstrating the psychosocial benefits of sports involvement through Special Olympics participation. Possible future directions ...
Most people with intellectual disabilities have comorbid health conditions, which will impact opt... more Most people with intellectual disabilities have comorbid health conditions, which will impact optimization of sporting performance. Classification is used in Paralympic events to ensure that those with similar levels of functional ability compete fairly against each other. An evidence-based approach needs to be developed for athletes with intellectual disabilities to be classified in relation to their overall functional capacity into competition groups of similar ability. This research builds on previous work using the taxonomy of The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to group athletes with intellectual disabilities into comparable competition groups as an approach to Paralympic classification. Three groups of athletes—Virtus, Special Olympics, and Down syndrome—are compared using the ICF questionnaire indicating functional health status in relation to sporting performance. The questionnaire was found to discriminate between athletes with Down ...
This paper plots the development of the BPS Psychology of Women Section (POWs) from its inception... more This paper plots the development of the BPS Psychology of Women Section (POWs) from its inception to the recent adoption of the new title of Psychology of Women and Equalities Section. Alongside this I reflect upon my own passage through my professional career in psychology, considering the interplay of my reflections as a ‘woman in psychology’ with the aims and ambitions of POWs. I set out four main endeavours; researching the things we are interested in, in the ways we wish to, finding a place in mainstream psychology and having an impact. I consider how well these aims have been achieved both from my personal perspective but also from the viewpoint of the section, and critically evaluate if POWs has, and will have, the power to change.
This short video will tell you the inspiring story of how athletes with intellectual disabilities... more This short video will tell you the inspiring story of how athletes with intellectual disabilities have re-joined the Paralympics for London 2012. You will hear from athletes, the GB Head Coach, the GB Team Manager, the Chief Exec. of the UK Sports Association and the Head of Eligibility for Inas, what is involved to become eligible to compete on this world stage, and the anticipated legacies of London 2012 for athletes with intellectual disabilities. The video describes the classification process which recently won the Research Councils UK gold award for ‘Exceptional Research’ at the Podium Awards.
Aim: The purpose of this study was to examine the psychosocial impact of involvement in the Speci... more Aim: The purpose of this study was to examine the psychosocial impact of involvement in the Special Olympics. Method: A cross sectional design was employed comparing two groups, sports active through the Special Olympics (SO) and non-sport active participants with intellectual disabilities. One hundred participants completed validated measures of self-esteem, quality of life, stress levels and social networks. Qualitative data was also collected from SO participants about what they perceived as the benefits of involvement in sports. Results: Analysis revealed that higher levels of self-esteem, quality of life, social networks and lower stress levels were significantly associated with involvement in the Special Olympics. A logistic regression analysis showed self-esteem to be a good predictor of group membership, those in the Special Olympics having higher self-esteem. Qualitative responses from the SO group confirmed the social support provided by SO involvement was perceived as an ...
Evidence suggests that people with intellectual disabilities may be vulnerable to increased socia... more Evidence suggests that people with intellectual disabilities may be vulnerable to increased social isolation, low levels of self-esteem and high levels of stress, in addition to low levels of physical health. Such factors have been shown to have negative impacts on mental health and there is a higher level of psychological and psychiatric problems within this population compared to people without intellectual disabilities. For many people participation in sport has been shown to be an effective intervention with regard to both building resilience against and addressing psychological distress and of course, improving physical well-being. However, there is little research on the psychosocial impact of sports involvement for people with intellectual disabilities. This paper will present the findings of research to date and also report on some recent research demonstrating the psychosocial benefits of sports involvement through Special Olympics participation. Possible future directions ...
Uploads
Papers