Intentional Recreational Activities of Daily Living and Well-Being in the General Population and in Psychosomatic Patients, Before and After Treatment

Abstract

Mental illness can affect activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, and recreational activities of daily living (RADL, e.g., sports, hobbies). RADL can have positive effects on psychological well-being, and can therefore also intentionally be used to improve one's well-being (IRADL, intentional recreational activities of daily living). In a German representative and a convenience sample, 2522 participants and 213 patients were asked about their use of IRADL. The psychosomatic patients were asked pre and post a 5-week stay in a psychosomatic hospital. More than half of the participants in the representative study, 2/3 of the pretreatment, and over 91% of the posttreatment psychosomatic sample indicated at least one recreational activity that they use to deliberately improve psychological well-being. Most people in the general public use recreational activities in a well-being-promoting manner. Psychosomatic patients use this option more frequently. Psychosomatic treatment helps to increase the motivation to use recreational activities.