A Conceptual Model of the Factors Affecting the Recreation and Leisure Participation of Children with Disabilities

Abstract

Participation in everyday activities is considered to be a vital part of children's development, which is related to their quality of life and future life outcomes. Research studies indicate that children with disabilities are at risk for lower participation in ordinary activities at home and in the community. This article presents a conceptual model of 11 environmental, family, and child factors that are thought to influence children's participation in recreation and leisure activities. The article outlines the existing evidence for the influence of these factors on one another and on children's participation. The review encompasses four bodies of literature: the participation of children or adults with disabilities, the risk and resilience of children facing adversity, the determinants of leisure and recreation activities, and the factors influencing physical activity and exercise. The proposed model is expected to be a useful tool for guiding future research studies and for developing policies and programs for children with disabilities and their families.

Special Educational Needs, Social Risk And Self-Concept: A Proposal For Socio-Educational Intervention

“…With regard to participation in recreational and free time activities, the results are in line with other studies (Caldwell & Gilbert, 1990;King et al, 2003), which accentuate the powerful effect of this variable in the development of personal and relational skills, and in particular in self-concept. Efforts should therefore be made in this area with the design of formal and informal programmes and socioeducational activities, both individually and in groups, to encourage the participation of adolescents in these enriching activities.…”

“…These results show some similarity with other research reported in the literature (Shields et al, 2006). These data are consistent with most research in the area, where the positive effect of participation in free time activities and recreation is mentioned as improving personal and social skills, health and wellbeing (Caldwell & Gilbert, 1990;King et al, 2003;Simeonsson et al, 2001). …”

“…Its positive influence on the development of personal, social and relational skills (Werner 1993;Simeonsson, Carlson, Huntington, McMillen & Brent, 2001), as well as health (King et al, 2003) has been highlighted and was considered an important predictor of personal well-being (Caldwell & Gilbert, 1990). …”

Promoting the Participation of Children With Disabilities in Sports, Recreation, and Physical Activities

“…27 In fact, adolescents with disabilities cited the cost of specialized equipment as the most frequent reason for nonparticipation. 27 Participation is further influenced directly by time, the home environment, and the child's perceived self-competence and indirectly by social support from schools and communities, family demographics, and family and child preferences. 27 Families who engage in physical activities themselves tend to promote similar participation for their children with disabilities.…”

“…27 Participation is further influenced directly by time, the home environment, and the child's perceived self-competence and indirectly by social support from schools and communities, family demographics, and family and child preferences. 27 Families who engage in physical activities themselves tend to promote similar participation for their children with disabilities. 14,27 Moreover, inactive role models, competing demands and time pressures, unsafe environments, lack of adequate facilities, insufficient funds, and inadequate access to quality daily physical education seem to be more prevalent among populations with special needs.…”