Active Leisure Participation and Life Satisfaction Among Individuals with Disabilities: The Dual Mediating Roles of Self-Esteem and Disability Acceptance

Purpose: While leisure activities are known to enhance life satisfaction for individuals with disabilities, the specific contributing factors remain unclear. This study investigates how self-esteem and disability acceptance mediate the relationship between leisure activities and life satisfaction among individuals with disabilities.Methods: The survey included 4,401 adults with disabilities, and assessments included life satisfaction, leisure activities, self-esteem, and disability acceptance. Data analysis involved multiple linear regression and mediation analysis.Results: Active leisure activities were associated with higher self-esteem, greater disability acceptance, and increased life satisfaction among individuals with disabilities. Self-esteem and disability acceptance jointly mediated the relationship between active leisure activities and life satisfaction, demonstrating a dual mediation effect.Conclusions: This study emphasizes the importance of promoting active leisure activities among individuals with disabilities, as these activities enhance self-esteem and foster positive acceptance of disability, ultimately leading to increased life satisfaction.