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Article
Health and Recreation Perceptions of Adults With Developmental Disabilities
Therapeutic Recreation Journal
  • Brooke N. Burk, Minnesota State University, Mankato
  • Iryna Sharaievska, Appalachian State University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2017
Publisher
Sagamore Publishing
DOI
https://doi.org/10.18666/TRJ-2017-V51-I3-7550
Abstract

Because of the high rates of obesity among people with developmental disabilities (DD) and our limited knowledge about their perceptions of what it means to live a healthy lifestyle, it is imperative that we conduct research to expand our understanding of their attitudes towards and engagement in active recreation and healthy eating practices. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to explore (a) adults’ with DD attitudes toward healthy eating and active recreation; (b) adults’ with DD intentions and interests for active recreation; and (c) barriers to active recreation and healthy eating. Eighteen adults with DD (16 of whom were overweight) completed an interview. The analysis of the results was guided by Social Cognitive Theory and revealed that the participants with disabilities require additional education about what foods and activities are healthy. The participants also named several major barriers to participating in active recreation. The findings suggested a need for leisure education to focus on healthy lifestyle choices among people with DD and their social circle, including caretakers and family.

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The published version of this article can be found here: https://js.sagamorepub.com/trj/article/view/7550

Citation Information
Burk, B., & Sharaievska, I. (2017). Health and Recreation Perceptions of Adults With Developmental Disabilities. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 51(3). doi:https://doi.org/10.18666/TRJ-2017-V51-I3-7550