Theory of human flourishing for therapeutic recreation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2010.0003Keywords:
narrative, practice, telos, tradition, virtuesAbstract
The purpose of this article is to present an overview of a theory of human flourishing and to outline how the theory can guide therapeutic recreation specialists as they strive to improve the lives of people with disabilities and illnesses. According to the theory, a flourishing life is marked by excelling in one or more leisure practices, authoring a coherent personal narrative, formulating and pursuing a meaningful telos, negotiating traditions, and acting virtuously. These constituent elements are described and then quad rugby is used to illustrate how a particular leisure practice contributes to flourish through its effects on each element. The article concludes with tasks that therapeutic recreation specialists should undertake to promote flourishing in people with disabilities and illnesses.References
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