Challenges to experience leisure enjoyment among individuals with serious mental illnesses
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2022.0267Keywords:
leisure activities, pleasure, mental disorders, Flow theoryAbstract
This study aimed to explore common challenges to experiencing enjoyment during leisure activities among people with serious mental illnesses (SMI). Nineteen individuals receiving services at a community-based behavioral health service provider were interviewed. The analysis found three major challenges: (a) mismatch between activity difficulty and one’s skill/ability, (b) nonoptimal emotional states, and (c) distractions. The identified themes were aligned with the factors for optimal experience in the theory of Flow, which suggests that people with SMI face considerable challenges experiencing Flow. Recreational therapists should consider these potential relationships and plan programs that can bolster client potential for successful engagement in and enjoyment from leisure activities.
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