Physical exercise and psychological well-being among people with chronic illness and disability: a grounded approach.
This qualitative study describes the effect of exercise on psychological well-being among individuals with chronic illnesses and disabilities such as stroke, cancer, diabetes and arthritis. Eleven users of a physical disability daycentre completed a novel, six-month, group-based programme of seated exercise provided by the first author. Results from grounded analyses of in-depth interviews provide evidence that exercise offers a powerful means to actively manage mood problems associated with disability, to preserve and cultivate personal identity in a positive manner and to connect with others and one's own body in ways which limit the development of illness-related psychological distress. Implications for the development of further research and future provision of similar services are discussed.
Graham
Rodger
R
Adult Mental Health, Ulster Community and Hospitals Trust, Northern Ireland. rodger_g_graham@yahoo.co.uk
Kremer
John
J
Wheeler
Garry
G
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept