Self Perception In Disabled Children Essay

Introduction Physical Activity and Self-Perception in Disabled Children The current epidemic of obesity associated with physical inactivity is a health care concern for all children, including those with disabilities. Numerous research studies have examined the prevalence and health benefits of physical activity in children with and without disabilities indicating that children with disabilities participate in less physical activity than typically developed children, therefore, disabled children have less opportunity of gaining the health benefits from a physically active lifestyle (Janseen & LeBlanc, 2010). Studies found that regular participation in social, recreational, or leisure physical activity yields to improvements in physical and mental health during childhood development (Johnson, 2009). For example, cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal fitness in physical health, as well as self-perception and cognitive in mental health are all enhanced (Taylor et al., 1985). Despite these benefits, children with disabilities are disposed to a more sedentary lifestyle; hence have lower levels of fitness and mental health, than their peers without disabilities (Crawford et …show more content…
Additionally, sports participation enhances the psychological well- being of children with disabilities by the opportunities to form friendships, express creativity, develop a self-identity, and foster meaning and purpose in life. Participation in regular physical activity can foster independence, coping abilities, competitiveness, and teamwork among children with disabilities (Murphy & Carbone, 2008). Compared to inactive disabled children, children with a physically active lifestyle have an overall heightened self-perception including the types of self-perceptions: self-efficacy, self-esteem, self-concept, and body image (Solish et al.,