Leisure Time in Comparison to Life Satisfaction Level of Adults with Physical Disability

Introduction: Leisure time is an integral part of people’s lifestyles. Recreation and proactive attitude during free time have an impact on physical development of a person with physical disability, moreover, foster building self-esteem. Research aim: The aim of this article is to identify the forms, dimensions and determinants of leisure behaviour in selected groups of respondents in correlation with the level of satisfaction with your own life. Method: The research was carried out in the Lublin Province. Two groups of people aged 30–50 took part in it: A – with disability and B – control (a total of 262 respondents of both sexes). The survey research used a questionnaire by Bergier and Tomczyszyn modified with the authors’consent and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) adapted by Juczyński. Results: In their preferred leisure activities, the majority of respondents of both groups indicated primarily physically passive forms of leisure. Interviewees with a disability participated significantly less frequently in physical recreation and their physical activity was characterised by a shorter average duration compared to able-bodied respondents. Among the respondents of both groups an increase in the level of life satisfaction was noted, as well as the increase in time spent practising various sports and recreational activities. Conclusion: Despite growing public awareness, people with disabilities still prefer passive leisure activities. Free time spent in an active manner had a positive influence on the sense of life satisfaction for able-bodied people, as well as people with disabilities.