| Research on the sport and physical activity socialization of individuals with cognitive disabilities is virtually non-existent. Evidence exists, however, to support the view that positive outcomes such as increased social competence and improved physical fitness result from participation in Special Olympics and adapted physical activity programs for individuals identified as mentally retarded as compared to their non-athletic peers (Gibbons & Bushakra, 1989; Wright & Cowden, 1986; Zoerink & Wilson, 1995). Based on these findings, it seems reasonable to conclude that the opportunity to pursue achievement in the physical domain serves to benefit individuals identified as being cognitively deficient. This opportunity for engagement in particular achievement activities or domains may depend on the values and expectations of significant others, particularly parents (Eccles et al., 1983). The purposes of this study were (a) to examine the nature of parental expectations and values as they relate to the opportunities they provide for their children in the physical domain, and (b) to explore the attraction to physical activity and sport and perceived competence of children with moderate cognitive needs. Theoretically based parental and youth interviews were used to acquire information for inductive analyses on the nature of parental influence on their children's athletic endeavors, youth attraction to physical activity and sport, and youth perceived physical competence. The appropriateness of using quantitative measures with youth with moderate cognitive needs was also explored. Results from this study supported the use of a modified version of Eccles et al.'s (1983) expectancy-value model as an explanation for how parental expectations and values relate to the sport and physical activity socialization of youth with moderate cognitive needs. Parental sport and physical activity expectations, and the opportunities they provided in the physical domain, were found to be oriented towards the social development and facilitation of independence among their children. The sport and physical activity values identified by parents suggested that the physical domain was viewed as beneficial for their children's social, psychological, emotional, and physical development. An expanded conceptual basis for understanding youth attraction to physical activity and sport and perceived physical competence also emerged from these findings. Based on the wealth of knowledge established on the athletic experiences of youth with cognitive disabilities, continued research on the influence of parents in the physical domain and exploration of the sport and physical activity involvement among youth with moderate cognitive needs is encouraged. |
