Citation

Hynes K, Galvin J, Howie L. Dev. Neurorehabil. 2012; 15(5): 361-368.

Affiliation

Departmentl of Occupational Therapy, La Trobe University , Melbourne , Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.3109/17518423.2012.692727

PMID

22716307

Abstract

Purpose: To explore the perceptions of young people with a spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D) about their leisure participation at school, home and in the community. Methods: The study used narrative enquiry to elicit the unique leisure stories of three participants aged 8-11 years with a SCI/D during two face-to-face, semi-structured interviews. Pictorial data about participants' interpersonal relationships were also gathered using a 'social atom' tool. Results: Thematic analysis of participants' narratives produced three themes. 'Inside school leisure' and 'outside school leisure' detailed participants' lived experiences of leisure. 'A can-do approach to leisure' drew attention to the optimistic attitudes held by the participants and their active engagement in leisure despite their SCI/D. Conclusions: Clinicians, families and educators should explore the leisure preferences of young people with a SCI/D and support their participation in activities, which offer enjoyment, friendship and a sense of achievement.

Language: en