Özet:

The aim of this study was whether gender, team and individual sports factors affect exercise dependence and social integration in sports. A total of 233 individuals between the ages of 18-47 who actively engage in sports and have various physical disabilities participated in the study. Personal Information Form, The Exercise Dependence Scale (EDS) and Social Integration in Sports Scale (SISS) were used as data collection tools. Male individuals 'EDS-Time-Exercise Preference values were higher than female individuals, while female individuals' SISS-Total, SISS-Socialization, SISS-Physical Benefit, SISS-Integration and SISS-Moral Development values were higher than male individuals (p<0.05). The values of EDS-Lack of Control of the individuals engaged in team sports were higher than those who did individual sports, and the values of SISS-Integration and SISS-Moral Development of individuals who did individual sports were higher than those who did team sports (p<0.05). As a result, exercise dependence (ED) was high in individuals with physical disabilities who do sports, and gender and sports preferences affect ED. In addition, the social integration levels of these individuals were quite high, and this was affected by gender and sports preferences (individual or team). Individuals with physical disabilities, who are cared for to integrate with the society and are directed to sports, contribute to sports and socialize them. However, these socialized individuals are at risk of ED. Other factors affecting individuals with physical disabilities who are at risk of ED should be examined in more depth and negative factors should be revealed.