Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
3 rd International Recreation and Sports Management Congress, Antalya, Türkiye, 16 Mayıs - 19 Eylül 2022, ss.378-379
INVESTIGATION OF PARTICIPATION IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY INTENTIONS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM ACCORDING TO PLANNED BEHAVIOR THEORY Introduction and Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the intentions of individuals with autism about participating in physical activity according to planned behavior theory. Method: Sixteen parents of children with autism (9 mothers, 7 fathers) voluntarily participated in the research. The theoretical framework of the research comprised planned behavior theory. The study group for the research was chosen with the criterion sampling method. Data were collected by preparing a demographic information form and a semi-structured interview form. Interviews were held with participants face-to- face and via online applications within the scope of the demographic information and semi-structured interview form. The data were analyzed with the thematic analysis method. As a result of the thematic analysis method, there were a total of 4 themes and 10 subthemes in the behavioral belief dimension, 4 themes and 9 subthemes in the normative belief dimension and 3 themes and 10 subthemes in the control belief dimension. Miles and Huberman's (1994) coefficient of agreement was used to calculate the reliability of the study. In this context, the coefficient of agreement was found to be .85. Findings: According to the research findings, participant intentions to participate in physical activity within the scope of the ‘important part of our life’ theme contributed more to motor development as an advantage of physical activity for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), within the scope of the ‘they directed us’ theme, individuals with ASD were generally identified to be encouraged by expert individuals like special education teachers, doctors etc. In addition, in the theme of ‘we produce our own solutions’, it was determined that transportation and financial opportunities facilitate participation in physical activity, and in the theme of ‘we encounter too many obstacles’, transportation and financial opportunities were found to make it difficult to participate in physical activity. Conclusion: In conclusion, in the behavioral belief dimension individuals with ASD effect positive attitude to participation in physical activity in a general sense. In the normative belief dimension, intentions to participate in physical activity received positive feedback. In the control belief dimension, resolving complicating factors will significantly increase participation.
Keywords: Physical activity - autism spectrum disorder - planned behavior theory