The role of sports activity in improving the psychological well-being of students with special needs - Field study at the University of M'sila –

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the role of sports activity in improving the psychological well-being of university students with special needs and to examine differences in their psychological well-being according to gender and sports participation. The researchers adopted the descriptive approach, using the Psychological Well-Being Scale (Global Life Satisfaction Index) developed by Cummins and translated and adapted by Tilwin Habib (2009). The study sample consisted of 32 male and female students with special needs at Mohamed Boudiaf University of M’sila, including both practitioners and non-practitioners of sports activities during the 2022/2023 academic year. Participants were selected using the comprehensive survey method from various academic specializations. The findings revealed that sports activity plays a positive role in enhancing the psychological well-being of students with special needs. The results also showed statistically significant differences in psychological well-being according to gender, in favor of males, as well as statistically significant differences according to sports participation, in favor of students who regularly practice sports activities. In light of these findings, the study highlights the importance of encouraging students with special needs to engage in sports activities due to their positive impact on psychological well-being and overall quality of life.