A Comparative analysis of the various Personality Factors of able-bodied and disabled Sports Players

Abstract

The current review research delves into the complex interplay of personality factors within the realm of athletic performance, drawing comparisons between able-bodied and disabled athletes. The growing field of sports psychology has increasingly recognized the pivotal role that personality traits play in shaping an athlete's mindset, motivation, and ultimately, their competitive outcomes. By synthesizing existing research, the current review research aims to provide a nuanced understanding of how personality factors contribute to the sporting experiences of individuals with and without physical disabilities. The review begins by delineating key personality traits such as those of the Big Five and Cattell’s 16 personality factors which are commonly associated with athletic performance. It then embarks on a comparative analysis, scrutinizing studies that investigate how these traits manifest differently in able-bodied and disabled athletes. The multifaceted nature of disability adds complexity to the examination, as both internal and external factors influence the adaptive strategies athletes employ to navigate their unique challenges. Additionally, the review addresses the impact of societal perceptions on the development and expression of personality traits in disabled athletes, exploring the roles of factors such as age and gender as well. The synthesis of findings aims to not only deepen our understanding of the psychological factors shaping athletic performance across diverse populations but also to highlight potential avenues for targeted interventions and support systems. Ultimately, this review sheds light onto the key differences that exist within the realm of personality in both able-bodied and disabled athletes. Some significant findings were found to be differences in abstractedness, which influences the disabled athletes in helping improve performance. The gendered influences also affect disabled and able-bodied athletes differently with women scoring higher in conscientiousness. The review seeks to inform future research directions and interventions aimed at optimizing the psychological well-being and competitive success of athletes across the ability spectrum.