Relationship between vital satisfaction and occupational roles in people physically disabled

Background: The relationship between health and wellbeing and occupational aspects has been widely documented. The purpose of this research was to explore the predictors of life satisfaction (LS) level regarding the amount of... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
The relationship between health and wellbeing and occupational aspects has been widely documented. The purpose of this research was to explore the predictors of life satisfaction (LS) level regarding the amount of roles performed, the level of significance and time used in people with physical disabilities (PD) compared to people without disabilities.
Method:
83 participants were evaluated by a questionnaire consisting of the Diener Satisfaction with Life Scale and adapted version of Role Checklist. Correlation and regression analyses were carried out with these variables.
Results:
We found a positive significant relationship between LS and the occupational roles variables in the group with PD but not in the group without disability. Besides, regression analyses showed that LS was predicted by sex (being a woman), the presence of disability and number of roles. By last, the impact of the number of roles in life satisfaction has a different performance depending on the group (Figure 1)
Conclusion:
One of the most remarkable results is the relationship between having more occupational roles and LS for the people with PD, and the fact that not exist this relationship in people without disabilities. Some hypothesis can explain that LS tends to be higher among people with PD depending on the augmentation of the occupational roles. Because the challenge involved, it may be that people with PD choose highly motivating activities. Maybe it's achievement in participating has a positive impact in LS.

Note the importance of the number of occupational roles when working with PD people.