Motivational Dimensions Among Athletes with Physical Disabilities in Türkiye: Sociodemographic and Sport-Related Correlates

Abstract

This study examined intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and amotivation among active athletes with physical disabilities in Türkiye and investigated their sociodemographic and sport-related correlates. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 205 athletes, including 74 women and 131 men. Data were collected using a personal information form and the Sport Participation Motivation Scale for Individuals with Disabilities. Descriptive statistics, group comparisons, correlations, and multiple linear regression models with heteroskedasticity-consistent standard errors were employed. Mean item scores were 4.20 for intrinsic motivation, 3.80 for extrinsic motivation, and 3.48 for amotivation. The intrinsic motivation model had limited explanatory value (adjusted R ² = 0.020), whereas the amotivation model explained substantially more variance (adjusted R ² = 0.281). After adjustment, upper income was associated with higher intrinsic motivation. Selected educational categories and income were associated with extrinsic motivation, although education-related estimates require caution because of small and unbalanced subgroups. Men and single athletes reported lower amotivation, whereas team-sport participation, selected educational categories, and upper income were associated with higher amotivation. The team-sport finding applies specifically to amputee football and wheelchair basketball athletes in this sample and should not be generalised to team sports overall. Years of sport participation was not independently associated with intrinsic motivation or amotivation, and its association with extrinsic motivation was not robust in sensitivity analysis. Overall, the three motivational dimensions showed distinct correlates. Further research should examine psychological, social, disability-related, and organisational factors associated with sustainable sport participation.