Transitioning from Separate to Community Physical Activity Contexts for Youth with Impairments: The Parental Experience

• Author / Creator

  Atchison, Bobbi-Jo L

• Moving from separate to inclusive community physical activity for youth with impairments can be a difficult transition for all involved. While research on the barriers for youth undergoing these transitions exists, little attention has been focused on the role and experiences of parents. The purpose of this study is to (a) explore the experiences of parents as they anticipate and prepare for the transition from one setting to another, (b) understand the strategies families use to address transition, and (c) gain insights into the supports that are important as they address the challenges of program changes. Using an interpretative phenomenological analysis and instrumental case study approach, two semi-structured interviews were conducted with each of the eight parents of youth with impairments between the ages of 12 and 19 who were undergoing the transition from separate fitness programs to inclusive community fitness contexts. Using line-by-line thematic analysis, four themes described the experiences of parents as they anticipated, prepared for, and supported their child to transition from one setting to another: (a) my child may be ready, but I am not, (b) fear of outside judgement, (c) playing by their rules, and (d) reframing our thinking. Using Schlossberg’s model (1981) the dynamic and powerful interactions between parents’ experiences and societal influences were markedly evident throughout the transition. This study provides a deeper understanding of the tensions parents faced as they negotiated new roles, relationships, routines, and assumptions as they moved through the transition process.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Impairment
  • Transitions
  • Disability
  • Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
  • Schlosserg Transition Theory
  • Physical Activity
  • Experiences
  • Inclusive
  • Parents
  • Community

• Graduation date

  Spring 2017

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Arts

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R34B2XH44

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.