Predicting life satisfaction among adults with physical disabilities

The perceptions of life satisfaction among adults with physical disabilities were examined in this research. Personal interviews were conducted with 790 adults who had a physical disability. Data were collected using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, Rosenberg's Self-esteem Scale, and the Life 3 Scale. Results from a stepwise multiple regression analysis (n = 344) indicated that leisure satisfaction was the most significant predictor of life satisfaction, explaining 42% of the variance in the life satisfaction scores for this population. An additional 11% of the variance in life satisfaction was explained by scores on financial status, self-esteem, health satisfaction, religious satisfaction, and marital status. Findings from this research highlight the role that leisure satisfaction plays in enhancing life satisfaction among individuals with physical disabilities. Furthermore, the findings suggest that leisure and life satisfaction levels are influenced by employment status and whether the disability was acquired. Discussion centers on the potential contribution that therapeutic recreation can have in the rehabilitation arena.