"Only one person stands on the podium, but you know there is, there is your village behind you": The development of the Family Quality Participation Framework

Abstract

Background: Participating in adaptive sport influences not only the competitors, but also those who support them. Research on sport and physical activity across different populations has highlighted the impact that facilitating sport participation can have on family members and that embedding family members into the adaptive sport competition has the potential to lead to rehabilitative benefits for the competitor, the family members, and the family system. Purpose: This dissertation aims to incorporate a families approach to adaptive sport through the development of the Family Quality Participation Framework. Methods: Following the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Examination II adapted for physical activity messaging, three studies were conducted. Firstly, a scoping review, aimed to identify how families have been considered within an adult adaptive sport context. Secondly, an instrumental single case study, involved a deep study into a specific military and Veteran rehabilitative adaptive sport competition which included a family program. This included an observation at the competition, as well as a focus group and an interview with members of the organizing committee of the family program. Finally, the preliminary Family Quality Participation Framework was then validated through a survey and an expert consultation interview. Findings: The scoping review identified 10 articles which met the inclusion criteria. The analysis of these articles led to the identification of four key themes: belongingness, engagement, recognition, and resources/supports. Through the case study, these themes were refined to three elements which enable family quality participation: recognition, belongingness, and engagement. Additionally, four levels of family involvement were identified: and families, families of, families matter, and families. Limited response to the survey (n = 2) did not result in any changes to the framework, but feedback provided in the interview led to the development of a fifth level of family involvement: no families. Conclusion: This dissertation identified not only elements which enable family quality participation, but also different possible levels of family quality participation. Using the scaled approach with examples presenting in the Family Quality Participation Framework, program and policy can follow a guide for creating family programs which suit the needs of those they serve.