Fostering self-determination and sense of belonging through leisure education: reflections on the Steps to Connect program. Issue 3 (2nd September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hutchinson, Susan L.; Lauckner, Heidi; Meisner, Brad A.; Gallant, Karen; Silversides, Christie
• Is Part Of: Loisir et société. Volume 40:Issue 3(2017)
• Page Start: 360
• Page End: 376
• Publication Date: 2017-09-02
• Subjects: Chronic condition self-management -- community-based leisure education -- meaningful activity -- program development -- self-determination -- sense of belonging; Autogestion d'une condition chronique -- éducation en loisir communautaire -- activité significative -- développement de programme -- autodétermination -- sentiment d'appartenance; Leisure -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Loisir -- Aspect social -- Périodiques; Leisure -- Social aspects; Periodicals; 306.48
• DOI: 10.1080/07053436.2017.1378503
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0705-3436

Abstract

Abstract : This article describes the development, implementation, evaluation, and evolution of a leisure education program named Steps to Connect. Originally designed to be a recreation-based extension of chronic disease self-management interventions in community environments, the overall purpose of Steps to Connect was to help participants explore how recreation can help them live well with their health conditions. Drawing from seven program implementations, post-program surveys ( n = 25) and interviews ( n = 15) with program participants highlighted that the program's value was less to do with managing health problems, and more about providing them with opportunities to experience activities that fostered self-reflection and personal growth as well as to experience a greater sense of connection to others and their communities. In this article, the authors revisit the theoretical underpinnings of the program to explore what Steps to Connect is really about.