Mohammad Vaez Mousavi - Prof. of Sport Psychology, Physical Education and Sport Sciences Department, Imam Hossein University, Tehran, Iran
Afrooz Mousavi - Ph.D. in Sport Psychology, National Olympic Academy, Tehran, Iran
Fariba Mohammadi - Assistant Prof. of Sport Injuries and Corrective Exercises, Sports Medicine Research Centre, Sport Sciences Research Institute, Tehran, Iran

Background:  During last two decades, researchers have become more interested in psychological development of para-athletes. In fact, psycho-social benefits of para sport are apparent in psychosocial development of para-athletes that needs further consideration. Objective: The objective of this study was to study psychological characteristics of Iranian para-athletes.  Methods: A number of ۶۰ purposefully selected Paralympic and Para-Asian athletes (۴۰ males and ۲۰ females) participated in a quasi-structured interview; data were analysed thematically. Results: After preliminary processes, para-athletes’ psychological characteristics were categorized in four groups: Athletic identity, mental skills, virtuous relationships, and needs for consultation; each category covers several codes. Conclusions: Findings are discussed in relation to their significance in para-athlete’s mental health, well-being, and performance. Using psychological characteristics of para-athletes as models to train younger athletes and employing a comprehensive approach to train sport psychologist are suggested.

Thematic Analyse, Paralympian, Para-Asian Games, Athletic Identity, Mental Skills