Recreation Functioning and Depression in People with Arthritis

Authors

  • Shelley A. Smith
  • Carlton F. Yoshioka

Keywords:

Arthritis, Perceived Freedom in Leisure, Depression, Recreation Activities

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine recreation functioning including perceived freedom in leisure and changes in favorite recreation activities, and depression in people with arthritis. Subjects were 59 people ranging in ages from 22 to 81 who were members of six Arthritis Foundation groups or clubs in the metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, area. Participants completed the 25-item Leisure Diagnostic Battery Short Form B (LOB-B), the 21-item Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and a 14-item survey collecting demographic and descriptive data. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that total or partial BDI scores were accounted for by change in favorite recreation activities, rheumatoid arthritis, and children living at home. LDB-B scores were not predicted by any of these variables but suggested that 45 subjects (76.3%) had positive feelings about the more sedentary recreation activities they had changed to because ofarthritis. Some recommendations for further study and for therapeutic recreation professionals working with people with arthritis are given.

Issue

Section

Research Papers