Leisure after stroke.

Abstract

Leisure activities and satisfaction derived from leisure activities were investigated together with feelings of stigma and of depression in 51 first-stroke married/cohabitating hemiplegics (males (n: 39) mean age 54 +/- 9; females (n: 12) mean age 50 +/- 12). Leisure goals appeared to mirror traditional gender roles; males having more outdoor and straining leisure activities. For the majority, number and frequency of active leisure participation decreased after stroke and they became passively discontented. This was the case for outdoor and indoor activities as well as for activities characterized by social interaction and entertainment. Mutual and non-mutual partnership of leisure activities occurred for those investigated within a year after stroke. Dissatisfaction also followed increased, passive, time together with spouse. Stigmatism was common (about 50 per cent) during the first year post-stroke, while depression was most common (65 per cent) between 7 and 12 months after stroke. The findings are discussed in terms of physical (disease-related) resources, geographical circumstances and psychological adaptation in its temporal context.