Embodiments marked by pain: experiences of female sitting volleyball players

Abstract

This study aims to comprehensively analyze  the experience of embodiment of women with disabilities and their relationship with pain, understood in its complexity. A socio-anthropological analysis was used, considering the body as a biopsychosocial construction. This qualitative and hybrid field research was carried out with a group of female sitting volleyball players. The used tools included sociodemographic and open questionnaires and reports about pain. Results suggest that physical pain is intertwined with feelings and emotions such as fear, incapacity, disgust, and abandonment, serving a subjective dimension. We conclude that women’s embodiment is resignified from experiences with pain and in the socialization processes by participation in sports.