A Study of Health Perception, Disability Acceptance, and Life Satisfaction Based on Types of Leisure Activity Among Koreans with a Physical Disability

Abstract

Leisure studies provide evidence that leisure engagement serves as a vehicle for improving life satisfaction among individuals with a physical disability. However, a dearth of research addresses which types of leisure activities are associated with specific psychological benefits. This study sought to capture three aspects of psychological benefits: acceptance of disability, life satisfaction, and health perception, and to explore how leisure activities are related to these psychological benefits. Using data released from the 2011 Panel Survey of Employment for the Disabled in Korea, this study found that individuals with a physical disability who participate in social activity, religious activity, and Internet use reported high health perception, life satisfaction, and disability acceptance. In particular, findings of this study provide evidence that social activity participation plays an important role in increasing health benefits among individuals with a physical disability.