Keywords

Adaptive sports, empowerment, high-risk sports, rehabilitation, sensation seeking

 

Authors

  1. Koszalinski, Rebecca S. PhD, RN, CRRN, CMSRN

Abstract

Purpose: This study reports the findings of a study about sensation-seeking or high-risk/challenging sports in persons who have disabilities.

 

Design: Exploratory, cross-sectional, and descriptive.

 

Methods: Two hundred and twenty-three recruitment e-mails were sent to potential participants. Data were collected through Qualtrics.

 

Findings: Mean score for Contextual Sensation Seeking Questionnaire for Skiing and Snowboarding (M = 30.21, SD = 8.18) was significantly lower than a sample of able-bodied skiers and snowboarders, t(239) = 2.75, p = .006. Mean for impulsive sensation seeking was lower than the same sample of able-bodied athletes cited in a previous study, t(240) = 4.56, p = .001. Means for the Zuckerman Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire subscales were impulsivity (M = 1.98, SD = 4.05) and sensation seeking (M = 6.75, SD = 2.68).

 

Conclusions: This group scored lower in sensation seeking compared to able-bodied high-risk/challenging sports activities participants. Sensation seeking is not a motivating factor in this sample.

 

Clinical Relevance: Nurses could encourage rehabilitation patients to engage in challenging activities for personal and group mastery.