Volume 2, Issue 192 (7-2026)
J Except Educ 1405, __(192): 47-62 |
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Hosseini M, Bazipour M, Tahmasbi F, Jafari S. The Role of Sports in the Social and Psychological Empowerment of Adolescents with Special Needs: Coaches’ Experiences in Promptiong Justice-Oriented Inclusion. J Except Educ 2026; 2 (192) :47-62
URL: http://exceptionaleducation.ir/article-1-2940-en.html
URL: http://exceptionaleducation.ir/article-1-2940-en.html
1- University of tehran , mohamad.hosseiniiii1994@gmail.com
2- University of tehran
3- Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University
2- University of tehran
3- Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University
Abstract: (14 Views)
Background and Purpose: Given the challenges associated with the social and psychological empowerment of adolescents with special needs and the necessity of creating inclusive opportuinities for their participation in sports activities, undrestanding coaches' experiences as key agents in this field is important. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the role of sport in the social and psychological empowerment of adolescents with special needs based on coaches' experiences within a justice‑oriented inclusion framework.
Materials and Methods: The present study was an exploratory qualitative research employing a thematic analysis approach and was conducted in 2026 in Tehran Province. The study population consisted of physical education teachers in special needs schools, instructors at rehabilitation centers, and sports coaches working with individuals with special needs. Using purposive sampling, 17 participants were selected. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews until theoretical saturation was achieved. The validity of the findings was confirmed by experts, and to assess reliability, intercoder agreement was calculated.
Results: The analysis revealed 5 main themes, 20 subthemes, and 88 key concepts. The main themes included social empowerment through sports, psychological empowerment through sports, the role of coaches in guiding and supporting adolescents with special needs, effective sports strategies for promoting empowerment and social justice, and the influence of sports environments and policies on achieving social justice.
Conclusion: The findings indicated that the empowerment of adolescents with special needs depends on the synergy among inclusive sports interventions, the mediating role of coaches, and receptive environmental contexts. This interaction not only strengthens psychological indicators such as self‑efficacy but also acts as a key driver in the reproduction of social justice within sports settings.
Materials and Methods: The present study was an exploratory qualitative research employing a thematic analysis approach and was conducted in 2026 in Tehran Province. The study population consisted of physical education teachers in special needs schools, instructors at rehabilitation centers, and sports coaches working with individuals with special needs. Using purposive sampling, 17 participants were selected. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews until theoretical saturation was achieved. The validity of the findings was confirmed by experts, and to assess reliability, intercoder agreement was calculated.
Results: The analysis revealed 5 main themes, 20 subthemes, and 88 key concepts. The main themes included social empowerment through sports, psychological empowerment through sports, the role of coaches in guiding and supporting adolescents with special needs, effective sports strategies for promoting empowerment and social justice, and the influence of sports environments and policies on achieving social justice.
Conclusion: The findings indicated that the empowerment of adolescents with special needs depends on the synergy among inclusive sports interventions, the mediating role of coaches, and receptive environmental contexts. This interaction not only strengthens psychological indicators such as self‑efficacy but also acts as a key driver in the reproduction of social justice within sports settings.
Keywords: Adolescents with special needs, Justice-oriented inclusion, Psychological empowerment, Social empowerment, Sports
Type of Study: Original Article |
Subject:
تربيت بدني
Received: 2025/Nov/Thu | Revised: 2026/Aug/Wed | Accepted: 2026/Jun/Tue | Published: 2026/Jul/Mon | ePublished: 2026/Jul/Mon
Received: 2025/Nov/Thu | Revised: 2026/Aug/Wed | Accepted: 2026/Jun/Tue | Published: 2026/Jul/Mon | ePublished: 2026/Jul/Mon
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