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

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.