Honors Theses and Capstones

Date of Award

Spring 2012

Project Type

Senior Honors Thesis

College or School

CHHS

Department

Occupational Therapy

Program or Major

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

C. Douglas Simmons

Abstract

OBJECTIVE. This study explored the effects of community team sports on social participation and life habit development for males ages 12-17 with a documented learning disorder. METHOD. A causal/comparative design compared two groups. A convenient sample of 24 participants completed Life Habits Questionnaire and Community Integration Questionnaire. Chi-square and T-test analysis were used. RESULTS. Results indicated social integration (t=4.56, p=.00) for boys who played a community sport was significantly higher than boys who did not play a community sport. The number and performance level of life habits was also significantly higher for boys who played a community team sport (t=3.23, p=.00). CONCLUSION. Community team sports positively influence both social participation and life habits associated with social responsibilities for adolescent boys with learning disorders. Occupational therapists should promote involvement in team sports as an adjunct to therapy or consider community team sport involvement as treatment improving social participation outcomes.

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