When developing knowledge about working effectively with athletes with disabilities, which model is the best?

When developing knowledge about working effectively with athletes with disabilities, which model is the best?

• A. Affirmation Model
• B. Medical Model
• C. Social Model
• D. Tragedy Model

Answer: (A)

Focusing on a strengths-based, empowering view of disability is what the Affirmation Model emphasizes. This approach treats disability as a natural part of diverse athletic identities and guides coaches to highlight what athletes can do, tailor training to leverage strengths, and build confidence, motivation, and resilience. It aligns with performance psychology goals by fostering self-efficacy, goal setting, and persistence, rather than framing impairment as something to be fixed or as an external barrier. The medical model centers on pathology and aims to cure or treat impairment, which can sideline performance and psychosocial well-being. The social model emphasizes removing external barriers, which is important but doesn’t directly address the athlete’s internal motivation and identity in sport. The tragedy model portrays disability as misfortune, which can sap motivation and inclusion. So, adopting the Affirmation Model best supports effective coaching and athlete development.

Focusing on a strengths-based, empowering view of disability is what the Affirmation Model emphasizes. This approach treats disability as a natural part of diverse athletic identities and guides coaches to highlight what athletes can do, tailor training to leverage strengths, and build confidence, motivation, and resilience. It aligns with performance psychology goals by fostering self-efficacy, goal setting, and persistence, rather than framing impairment as something to be fixed or as an external barrier. The medical model centers on pathology and aims to cure or treat impairment, which can sideline performance and psychosocial well-being. The social model emphasizes removing external barriers, which is important but doesn’t directly address the athlete’s internal motivation and identity in sport. The tragedy model portrays disability as misfortune, which can sap motivation and inclusion. So, adopting the Affirmation Model best supports effective coaching and athlete development.