Can scuba diving transform the lives of people with physical impairments? A mixed methods study.

Abstract

This study aimed to: (1) test and explain the type of experience scuba diving is among people with physical impairments based on the experience-type framework; (2) assess and describe their personality based on the Big Five domains; and (3) identify if personality, years diving, and diving level predict experience-type. An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was employed. The quantitative phase used a cross-sectional survey (<i>n</i> = 103). The qualitative phase used follow-up interviews with 15 participants divided into 3 case study groups. Joint displays with meta-inferences integrated the data. Quantitative and qualitative findings concurred on scuba being a transformative experience. 82.52% of survey participants reported scuba as a transformative experience, with no significant differences on experience impact based on impairment category (<i>p</i> = 0.56), impairment onset (<i>p</i> = 0.66), gender (<i>p</i> = 0.08), race/ethnicity (<i>p</i> = 0.51), or age (<i>p</i> = 0.07). Big Five personality domains, years diving, or diving level did not predict experience impact (R² = 0.14, F(12,90) = 1.304, <i>p</i> = 0.2305). Data strand results differed on salient personality domains. Seven qualitative themes emerged, five on experience-type and two on personality. We recommend the exploration of scuba diving as a prospective rehabilitation intervention.