Personal factors and perceived barriers to participation in leisure activities for young and adults with developmental disabilities

Participation in leisure activities has been identified as a factor that favors inclusion in the community and it also contributes to a better quality of life. This study analyzed the influence of certain personal characteristics and environmental factors in the participation in leisure activities of youngsters and adults with developmental disabilities. A cross-sectional design was used with a convenience sample of 237 people, aged 17–65, living in the community. The participants completed the Spanish version of the Leisure Assessment Inventory, and information about the personal and disability-related factors was obtained through a questionnaire. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to determine the personal factors, disability-related factors, and perceived barriers to leisure participation. The results show that participation in leisure activities is determined more by personal factors and perceived barriers than by disability-related factors.

► Leisure has been identified as a factor that favors inclusion in the community.
► We analyze the influence of personal characteristics and environmental factors in the leisure.
► Participation in leisure is determined more by perceived barriers than by disability related factors.