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Research Article

Exploring the leisure experiences of young people with spinal cord injury or disease

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Pages 361-368 | Received 05 Apr 2012, Accepted 08 May 2012, Published online: 20 Jun 2012
 

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.

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