Theses and Dissertations

ORCID

https://orcid.org/my-orcid?orcid=0009-0009-4499-9702

Advisor

Agiovlasitis, Stamatis

Committee Member

Twietmeyer, Gregg

Committee Member

Xu, Jianzhong

Date of Degree

5-16-2025

Original embargo terms

Immediate Worldwide Access

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Kinesiology (Disability Studies)

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Education

Department

Department of Kinesiology

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Short-term adapted swimming programs may improve self-efficacy in individuals with intellectual disability (ID). PURPOSE: We investigated if self-efficacy was improved from the perspectives of swimmers, their parents, and volunteering staff. METHODS: A 5-day program (60 min∙day-1) focused on swim skill development and independence, with each participant supported by a volunteer without disability. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 5 swimmers (14–35 years, 4 females), 5 parents (40–70 years, all mothers), and 5 volunteers (17–64 years, 4 females). Analysis, using open, structured, and focused coding, highlighted themes aligning with Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory (SET)—previous experience, vicarious experience, social persuasion, and feedback—and Self-determination Theory (SDT)—autonomy, competence, and relatedness. RESULTS: Parents and volunteers consistently observed increased self-efficacy in swimmers, with swimmers' responses partially supporting these observations. CONCLUSION: A 5-day swimming program improves self-efficacy in individuals with ID from the perspectives of the swimmers, their parents, and volunteering staff.

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