Leandra A. Bedini

Women with physical disabilities and the negotiation of leisure constraints

The purpose of this study was to enhance the conceptual understanding of the importance and meaning of constraints to leisure for women with physical disabilities. In-depth qualitative interviews with women with disabilities were used to obtain information about the experience and meanings of leisure. Symbolic interactionism provided the framework for conducting the study. Two major themes emerged relative to constraints to leisure: magnification of leisure constraints for women with physical disabilities, and strategies for negotiating constraints. The data suggested that leisure choices were not necessarily disability-determined, but the context of the disability influenced choices and constraints. Means for negotiating leisure constraints were explicated by examining the lives of women with physical disabilities.

“I Have a Soul That Dances Like Tina Turner, but My Body Can't”: Physical Activity and Women With Mobility Impairments

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences and meanings of physical activity for women with disabilities and to interpret the implications of physical activities specifically for women with mobility impairments. In-depth qualitative interviews were used to uncover data about how women with mobility impairments experienced physical activity and leisure. Emerging themes addressed the value of physical activity, attitudes toward ones disability and participation in physical activity, and conditions necessary for involvement in physical activity. Four values were associated with physical activities: leisure, therapy, maintenance, or perceived little value. Attitudes toward ones disability and physical activity resulted in conforming, resisting, or adjusting behavior. Energy/stamina/low pain level, transportation, removal of social fears, accessibility, and social support were the individual or combined conditions that influenced values and attitudes regarding physical activities. The results of this study highlighted the need to consider and improve opportunities for physical activity for women with mobility impairments.

Adolescent girls' involvement in disability sport: a comparison of social support mechanisms.

Abstract Women and girls with disabilities are historically disenfranchised from physical recreation due to the “double whammy” of being female and having a disability. The literature suggests that challenges to participation likely include lack of social support for girls with disabilities to participate in sport. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to examine differences in social support received by girls with disabilities who did and did not participate in organized wheelchair sport programs. In addition, the relationship between social support and outcomes tied to wheelchair sport participation were investigated. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed using constant comparison techniques. Utilizing a model of social support as a framework, the findings illustrate multiple differences in social support mechanisms for girls who are and who are not involved in wheelchair sport programs.

Mediation Analysis of Leisure, Perceived Stress, and Quality of Life in Informal Caregivers

Abstract Due to the prediction of a significant increase in older adults as well as an expected decrease in availability of professional homecare, the number of informal caregivers in the United States is expected grow exponentially by the year 2050. Unfortunately, caregivers will likely continue to experience negative health consequences due to caregiver burden. In this study, mediation analysis was used to investigate the relationship among three leisure variables, perceived stress, and quality of life of informal family caregivers. Results showed that the effect of two of the leisure variables mediated quality of life through perceived stress. Recommendations address discussion of alternative recreation programming perspectives for informal caregivers as well as further research directions to expand these findings.

Recreation Programs for Caregivers of Older Adults: A Review and Analysis of Literature from 1990 to 1998

Abstract Due to social, economic, and medical factors, more adults are choosing to care for ill or disabled relatives at home. Although leisure and recreation have particular benefits for informal family caregivers of older adults, caregivers often have limited social and leisure lives. The purpose of this paper is to use an integrative review technique (Jackson, 1980) to identify common factors in recreation and leisure and related programs for caregivers of older adults. A total of 22 journal articles were reviewed yielding five categories of programs. All programs were reviewed separately and recommendations for practice and future research are presented.

Barriers to Leisure Travel of Family Caregivers: A Preliminary Examination

Research demonstrates the health consequences of caregiving as well as the health benefits of leisure pursuits. The purpose of this preliminary study was to explore the barriers to leisure travel for family caregivers. Participants comprised 105 family caregivers in North Carolina who completed an 86-item questionnaire. Factor analysis generated 5 primary factors (Environment, Personal, Service Provision, Financial, and Shared Leisure) that represented primary constraints to leisure travel for this population. Additional analysis indicated that these caregivers greatly missed their leisure, which they gave up as a result of caregiving. Implications for practice and research exist that could address the negotiation of these barriers.

Inclusive and Special Recreation: Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities / Inclusive Leisure Services: Responding to the Rights of People with Disabilities

Common themes in current leisure research include topics regarding opportunities and availability of recreation programs, stigma, negotiating barriers and constraints, and physical and psychological accessibility of recreation for women, people of color, low socio-economic groups, families, or other disenfranchised groups. Theories, research, and examples presented within the reviewed disability texts have relevance to issues of inclusion for all disciplines of leisure research, not just those dealing with disabling conditions. Research that directly or indirectly addresses related topics of race, culture, gender, class, religion, and ethnicity can be enhanced by the information provided in both the reviewed texts.

A Continuum of Action—Using Volunteers in Therapeutic Recreation

Some recreation professionals see volunteers as the foundation of their organizations. Others regard working with volunteers overly challenging. Successful professionals who work with volunteers find that volunteers may contribute greatly to therapeutic recreation programs by providing credibility and objectivity to the organization (Tedrick & Henderson, 1989).