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Abstract
Sports-based leisure serves as a tool for the personal and social well-being of vulnerable groups, promoting normalized and participatory lifestyles. This qualitative study explored the perceptions of individuals with Severe Mental Illness (SMI) regarding the impact of sports-based leisure on their recovery and social inclusion, through the Sportsame program in the Community of Madrid. Fifty-five users participated, all of whom were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. An interpretive analysis of the empirical data transcribed from the interviews was conducted using the software MAXQDA Analytics Pro. The results revealed significant improvements in the physical, psychological, and social well-being of participants, who reported reductions in anxiety, apathy, and isolation, as well as increases
in their support networks and self-esteem. A positive progression in symptoms of the disorder and greater adherence to treatment were also observed. The role of professionals proved key in motivating, guiding, and promoting active participation, facilitating access to the sports-leisure project. Furthermore, the program contributed to reducing both social stigma and self-stigma, supporting community integration and improving family relationships and connections with their immediate environment. Overall, sports-based leisure emerges as an effective socio-educational tool to promote mental health, personal empowerment, and social inclusion among individuals with SMI. The results revealed significant improvements in the physical, psychological, and social well-being of participants, who reported reductions in anxiety, apathy, and isolation, as well as increases in their support networks and self-esteem. A positive progression in symptoms of the disorder and greater adherence to treatment were also observed. The role of professionals proved key in motivating, guiding, and promoting active participation, facilitating access to the sports-leisure project. Furthermore, the program contributed to reducing both social stigma and self-stigma, supporting community integration and improving family relationships and connections with their immediate environment. Overall, sports-based leisure emerges as an effective socio-educational tool to promote mental health, personal empowerment, and social inclusion among individuals with SMI.
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