No abstract

This study explored the meanings, inspirations and subjective significance of personal artwork created as a leisure activity by women living with cancer. A convenience sample of twelve women aged between 23-74 years participated in semi-structured interviews. Participants were living in various stages of the cancer trajectory, and engaged in several forms of visual art-making. They submitted examples of their artwork by photograph and then participated in semi-structured interviews. From a phenomenological analysis, the authors inferred a number of themes. Participants perceived a few pieces, made during chemotherapy, as expressing deeper feelings about cancer in symbolic terms. More prevalent in participants' accounts were references to their artwork as a sensuous pleasure, and its confirmation of their ongoing capability, personal continuity and social connectedness. Participants acknowledged ongoing loss and difficulties related to cancer. However, each piece of art offered a measure of resistance against the psychologically and socially disruptive effects of cancer. The pre-interview photography activity was helpful for empowering participants in the interview, and for stimulating detailed memories and associations.

Background

Why do some women turn to creative art-making after a diagnosis of cancer? Eleven women provided qualitative accounts that were analyzed following guidelines for interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Some described taking up artistic leisure activities initially in order to manage emotional distress. Others emphasized their need for positive well-being, taking up art to experience achievement and satisfaction, to regain a positive identity, and to normalize family dynamics in the context of living with cancer. Participants' turn to art-making was facilitated by biographical and contextual factors, including pre-existing craft skills, long-standing personal values and coping philosophies, family role models for managing adversity, and the supportive encouragement of family and friends. Other research has acknowledged that positive lifestyle change and post-traumatic growth can occur after a cancer diagnosis, and this study reveals a multi-faceted process. The findings suggest a need for further research into the experiences that facilitate positive lifestyle change and subjective well-being among people who are living with cancer.

Introduction Although the benefits of physical activity are widely recognised, levels of inactivity are considerably higher for children and young people with disabilities than those without. Young people with disabilities struggle to access inclusive opportunities and there is a lack of research surrounding users’ experiences of disability sport more generally. This research aimed to explore members’ experiences of a community-based wheelchair basketball club and its impact on daily life. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 disabled and able-bodied members of the club (aged 6–25 years) to gain an in-depth understanding of their experiences. Findings Inductive thematic analysis identified an overarching theme of ‘wheelchair basketball elicits strong emotions’ and four main themes of ‘positive social interactions’, ‘benefitting health and independence’, ‘changing perceptions of disability’ and ‘a meaningful occupation that opens doors’. Participants reported positive experiences of wheelchair basketball, which improved their physical and mental health whilst increasing opportunities for socialisation and encouraging acceptance of disability. Conclusion The findings have implications at individual, organisational and societal levels, and provide some justification for the role of occupational therapy in disability sport. The findings demonstrate the potential for inclusive community sports clubs to improve health and social outcomes for individuals, regardless of disability.