The purpose of this study was to present and discuss the results of a psychological evaluation carried out with 64 athletes from eight different sports disciplines. The evaluation was carried out in the Paralympic training centers in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Recife, applying personality tests, motivation tests, stress inventory, and psychometric tests (perception, concentration and reaction time). Significant differences were detected in some psychological parameters comparing male and female athletes and athletes with different kinds of disability (physical, visual or mental). In general, the most important motives to begin a sports activity were pleasure and the need for rehabilitation. The main motive for actual sports practice was competition and the desire to overcome limits. The majority of the athletes mentioned the following stressing factors: sleeping problems, pressure to win, and interpersonal conflicts. Most of the athletes showed good results in perception and reaction time. Based on these results individual guidance was developed to prepare the athletes for the Paralympic Games.
Psychological evaluation; Personality testing; Psychometric testing
