Factors Influencing Leisure Activities following a Stroke: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

This exploratory study identified factors that influence social and leisure activities following a stroke. Thirty subjects who had suffered a stroke within the previous 15 months and had returned home, were interviewed regarding the effect of the stroke on their activities, roles and relationships. Factors which influenced leisure activities were extracted from documentation of interviews and observations. Kielhofner's Model of Human Occupation was used to organize the findings. Age affects the type of activities a person finds meaningful; younger subjects are more likely than older subjects to be motivated by work-related activities. Age also influences the maintenance of friendships; older people are more accepting of disabilities in their friends than are younger individuals. Personal standards, range of interests and access to transportation also affect involvement in social and leisure activities. Some activity changes are attributable to the loss of physical and mental function. However, the interaction of individuals with their total environment is much more important than the severity of the disability. The quality of an individual's relationship with family and friends is often the most influential factor determining social and leisure activities following a stroke.