An examination of recreational golfers’ psychological connection, participation behavior, and perceived constraints

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine continued sport participation by linking psychological connection with participation behavior and constraints. Recreational golfers (N = 714) completed a survey based on the Psychological Continuum Model (PCM), leisure constraints, and participation behavior items. Participants were classified into four PCM levels: awareness (n = 51), attraction (n = 133), attachment (n = 357), and allegiance (n = 173). Multiple Discriminant Analysis (MDA) revealed unique characteristics for each PCM level based on participation behavior, where higher PCM levels related to more participation behavior. With respect to constraints, self-confidence and interest were more associated with lower PCM levels and structural and social factors were associated with higher PCM levels. The findings contribute to theory on continued participation in sport and leisure and provide empirical evidence for the PCM and leisure constraints frameworks.