Social fun and enjoyment: Viable outcomes in aquatics for individuals with physical disabilities

Abstract

This manuscript examines the literature pertaining to the effects of enjoyment and social fun and their application to individuals with disabilities in goal-oriented aquatic interventions. Literature related to the effects of positive emotion, disability issues related to positive emotion states, the nature of the aquatic environment, and programs that may facilitate positive emotions are examined. Research studies support the belief that participation in goal-oriented aquatics programs can provide individuals with realistic solutions for not only maintaining physical fitness and achieving rehabilitation goals, but also for attaining fun or enjoyment states that improve health and longevity. The paper highlights the implications of enjoyment and social fun states, generally and goal-oriented aquatic interventions, more specifically. © 2012 Human Kinetics, Inc.