Physical Exercise and Psychological Well-being among People with Chronic Illness and Disability
- 1 May 2008
- journal article
- research article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Journal of Health Psychology
- Vol. 13 (4), 447-458
- https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105308088515
Abstract
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.Keywords
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