The current study explores the relationship between identity development and participation in athletics for 2 female adolescent athletes with physical disabilities. Identity development is defined using both Erikson's and Marcia's theories which suggest that adolescence is the primary stage of life when identity development occurs and is directly related to experiences of crisis and commitment. The participants were recruited from a California Adapted Sports Organization which offers individual with physical disabilities the opportunity to participate in wheelchair athletics. The participants were interviewed using a structured interview which I developed based upon the literature regarding identity development, athletic participation, and disability. Overall, the participants appeared to have highly developed identities which seemed to be related to their participation in athletics, social and familial support, integration of their disability, and being a member of a team.
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