They are able who think they are able: An examination of the relationship between recreation therapy and selected psychological constructs.

摘要

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a structured therapeutic recreation program on selected psychological constructs for African Americans that have had a stroke. Using Bandura's social cognitive theory as a theoretical framework, the study utilized a mixed methods approach by establishing quantitative benchmarks for perceived self-efficacy, life satisfaction, and leisure attitude, followed by in-depth interviews to explore perceptions of study participants. Thirteen stroke survivors with a mean age of 55 participated in the study. The three themes that emerged during qualitative data analysis were leisure participation, social support, and coping/acceptance. The themes and concepts that emerged contributed to the development of a "common experience through group leisure" model that provided a visual representation of the means through which participants received benefits in the program. Practical and theoretical implications and recommendations include examination of treatment in a group setting and outcome expectancy in therapeutic recreation.