Leisure Sports Research Articles

Youth Well-Being and Economic Vitality: Fostering Sustainable Development Through Green Leisure Sports

This study delves into the transformative potential of low-carbon leisure education (LCLE) in promoting sustainable development within rural lake regions, focusing particularly on its impact on youth well-being and regional economic vitality. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, we surveyed 650 participants and conducted interviews with experts, visitors, and locals to gauge the effectiveness of LCLE initiatives. The findings indicate a significant positive correlation between LCLE engagements and improvements in the leisure environment, economic development, and ecological conservation. However, the study reveals a youth welfare divide, whereby younger individuals are unable to fully benefit from LCLE programs due to gaps in environmental consciousness and accessibility. The paper proposes a holistic approach to LCLE that includes enhancing environmental awareness among youth, making participation in low-carbon leisure activities more accessible and affordable, and fostering a culture of sustainable enjoyment. The expected outcomes suggest strengthened rural economies, enriched leisure and ecological environments, and a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle for the younger population. This research underscores the importance of integrating educational initiatives into rural development strategies, thereby contributing to the knowledge economy through innovative approaches to sustainability and youth engagement in rural settings.

K-콘텐츠를 활용한 지역관광 활성화 방안 : 춘천 사례를 중심으로

By focusing on the case of Chuncheon, this study explores the local governments' strategies to revitalize local tourism by utilizing K-contents. The study examines Chuncheon’s geographical characteristics, natural resources, cultural resources, and industrial assets within the broader context of K-contents which also includes local content. In-depth interviews with experts and focus group interviews with consumers were conducted. The analysis utilized the 'Local Content-Based Tourism Industry Competitiveness Evaluation Model' which focuses on four key elements: cultural tourism content resources, K-content-based tourism market, strategy and business implementation system, and supporting environment (i.e., infrastructure). The results revealed that while Chuncheon possesses diverse natural and cultural resources, there is a need for improvement in linking and utilizing these assets. The study highlights the necessity of developing and promoting contents that align with current tourism trends and the preferences of the MZ generation. Additionally, it calls for an enhancement of infrastructure, such as accommodation and transportation, to better connect major tourist spots within the city. To foster the cultural and tourism content industry, the study also emphasizes the urgent need to establish governance to systematically support development efforts. The research proposes a five-theme strategy to revitalize tourism in Chuncheon: regional characteristics, culture and festivals, filming location spots, leisure sports, and food. This approach provides practical implications by offering a comprehensive perspective on the current situation, challenges, and revitalization measures for Chuncheon tourism.

Girls play basketball too? A study of the mechanisms of traditional social gender consciousness on female participation in contact leisure sports.

With the development of women's sports, the mechanism of barriers to women's leisure sports participation has attracted extensive attention from the academic community. Despite its significant impact, there are few empirical studies on intra-personal barriers. Consequently, a structural equation model was established to examine the relationships between traditional social gender awareness, gender bias, gender stereotypes, and barriers to participation in leisure sports. In this study, a total of 508 questionnaires were collected and analyzed using AMOS 24.0 software for structural equation modeling. After model testing, the relationships between the variables were examined. The results of the statistical analyses indicated that traditional gender awareness could serve as an antecedent variable for barriers to participation in leisure sports, and that gender stereotypes mediated the relationship between traditional gender awareness and barriers to participation in leisure sports. The study also concluded that gender bias could not mediate the relationship between traditional gender awareness and participation barriers in leisure sports, but gender bias and gender stereotypes could act as chain mediators in the process of the influence of traditional gender awareness on barriers to contact leisure sports. This study emphasizes the need for women to break down the traditional social gender awareness, gender bias, gender stereotypes, and other intra-personal barriers when engaging in leisure sport participation. According to this study, the promotion of sustained and healthy development of women's sport requires the breaking down of traditional social gender awareness education and the creation of more gender-inclusive sports policies and environments. The significance of the study is that by proposing and confirming the internal participation barriers to women's participation in contact leisure sports, it will lead to the ideological liberation of women's gender perspectives, so that they can break down the participation barriers to contact leisure sports, participate in sports activities, and enjoy the right to play sports on an equal footing.

The Structural Relationship Between Leisure Function, Resilience and Life Satisfaction among Elderly Participants in Leisure Sports

The Structural Relationship Between Leisure Function, Resilience and Life Satisfaction among Elderly Participants in Leisure Sports

Attracting Local Marine Leisure Sports Competitions and Promoting SOC Awareness and Local Development

Attracting Local Marine Leisure Sports Competitions and Promoting SOC Awareness and Local Development

An Analysis of the Mediating Effects of Mindset and Grit in the Relationship between Perfectionism and Positive Psychological Capital of Participants in Marine Leisure Sports

An Analysis of the Mediating Effects of Mindset and Grit in the Relationship between Perfectionism and Positive Psychological Capital of Participants in Marine Leisure Sports

A Study on the Leisure Sports Participation Behavior of the Elderly through Comparative Analyses by Age: Focusing on Leisure Participation Constraints and Price Sensitivity.

Worldwide, interest in healthy living has been increasing as people's lifespans have lengthened, owing to interest in health and the development of the medical industry. The need for research on healthy lifestyles aided by sports activities for older adults is greater than before. This study aimed to compare and analyze constraints on participation in leisure sports and participation price sensitivity based on age groups in a super-aging society. From 22 May to 10 July 2024, in three community and sports centers, Korean adults over the age of 20 who regularly participated in leisure sports voluntarily responded to a questionnaire. Based on a quantitative research design using a survey with a convenience sampling technique, 305 collected survey responses were analyzed for validity, reliability, and exploratory factor analysis through SPSS 28. Additionally, one-way multivariate analysis of variance and the price sensitivity meter technique allowed us to analyze the differences in leisure participation constraints and price sensitivity among the groups. No statistically significant group differences were found in the health and social factors of leisure sports participation constraints. However, statistically significant differences were found for the cost and time factors. Finally, the price sensitivity meter technique found differences in price sensitivity in participating in leisure sports among the three age groups. This scientific analysis, aiming to expand older adults' participation in leisure sports, provides objective data for the future.

The Effect of Construction Workers’ Work Resilience on Their Leisure Sports Participation: The Mediating Role of Safety and Health Awareness

This study, grounded in psychological capital theory and the work resource model, investigates the impact of construction workers’ work resilience on their leisure sports participation. An interdisciplinary integration model was developed, incorporating work resilience, safety and health awareness, and leisure sports participation, providing empirical evidence for enhancing the well-being of the construction workforce. The study specifically examines the roles of physiological resilience, psychological resilience, social support, and occupational engagement in this context. A survey conducted with 663 construction workers in China and Korea revealed the following: (1) physiological resilience, psychological resilience, social support, and occupational engagement significantly and positively influence workers’ leisure sports participation; (2) safety and health awareness serves as a significant mediator between work resilience and leisure sports participation among construction workers. These findings underscore the importance of improving the work environment and creating semi-natural restorative landscapes to promote the physical and mental health of construction workers, as well as their engagement in leisure sports. The study calls for governmental and community initiatives, including policy support and resource allocation, to comprehensively enhance the overall well-being of construction workers.

The Mediating Effect of Positive Psychological Capital on Exercise Passion and Participation Satisfaction in Leisure Sports Club Members

The Mediating Effect of Positive Psychological Capital on Exercise Passion and Participation Satisfaction in Leisure Sports Club Members

Comparative Analysis of Stroke, Marital Intimacy, Marital Satisfaction and Divorce Intention According to the Type of Participation in Marital Leisure Sports Activities.

This study examined strokes, marital intimacy, marital satisfaction, and divorce intentions among participants who are members of a couple, based on their leisure sports participation. We conducted a questionnaire survey with 321 participants. The validity and reliability were checked, and a multivariate analysis of variance was conducted to test for differences between groups. The results revealed that among couples engaging in the same leisure sports activity, positive stroke was high, and negative and no strokes were low. Couples not engaging in the same activity exhibited a partial positive effect when both or one of the individuals engaged in leisure sports activities. Among couples in which both individuals did not engage in leisure sports activities, negative results were found for all factors. Furthermore, couples engaging in the same activity showed high marital intimacy and satisfaction. Moreover, couples engaging in the same activity showed the lowest intention to divorce, whereas couples who did not engage in leisure sports activities showed the highest intention to divorce. These findings suggest that leisure sports activities positively affect relationships, and this effect increases when couples participate in the same sport. Future research should investigate methods for couples to engage in leisure activities and how they can be activated.

Outdoor Leisure Sports Industry Market Adaptability under the Background of Double Cyclekey Elements and Theoretical Logic

Based on the framework of rooted theory analysis,the key elements and theoretical logic of market adaptability of outdoor leisure sports industry are deeply studied.The research finds that the logic generation of market adaptability is a dynamic,continuous and systematic process,which involves the interaction and influence between structural elements, process elements and result elements. Structural elements,such as policy environment,industrial base, resource endowment and technological innovation of digital transformation,act on key elements such as process element market monitoring and positioning,marketing strategy,talent cultivation and risk management,consumer behavior analysis and service strategy, etc.To further promote the formation of outcome elements such as the expansion of market share,the improvement of customer satisfaction, the deepening of industrial integration and innovation,and the expansion of international cooperation.This "structure-process-result" three-dimensional theoretical analysis framework provides theoretical support and practical guidance for the market adaptability of outdoor leisure sports industry in terms of market positioning,resource allocation,marketing strategy,operational efficiency, market adaptation mechanism, innovation path and market performance evaluation,so as to promote the long-term and stable development of outdoor leisure sports industry.

Correlates of lifestyle patterns among children in Singapore aged 10 years: the Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) study

ObjectiveTo characterise lifestyle patterns (comprising dietary and movement behaviour aspects) of children in Singapore and examine the correlates of these patterns.DesignAn observational study approach was used. Children recorded their diet and activities over two weekdays and two weekend days on a validated web-based assessment, My E-Diary for Activities and Lifestyle (MEDAL). Lifestyle patterns were derived using principal component analysis, and the correlations of these with multiple known determinants organised by distal, intermediate, and proximal levels of influence were studied.SettingChildren of the Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) cohort.ParticipantsTen-year-old children (n = 397).ResultsThree lifestyle patterns, “high snacks and processed food”, “balanced” and “mixed”, were identified. We focused on the more health-promoting “balanced” pattern, characterised by lower screen-viewing and higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, and dairy. Among the distal factors, girls were more adherent to the “balanced” pattern compared to boys, and children of parents with lower education levels were less adherent to this pattern. Among intermediate factors, children of mothers with higher diet quality were more adherent to the “balanced” pattern. Among the proximal factors, engagement in active transport, leisure sports, and educational activities outside of school were positively associated with the “balanced” pattern, whereas screen-viewing while travelling was negatively associated with this pattern. Having siblings, pet ownership, mother’s physical activity, parenting style, parental bonding, child’s outdoor time, and breakfast consumption were not associated with children’s lifestyle patterns.ConclusionsThese findings provide direction for future interventions by identifying vulnerable groups and contexts that should be prioritised.

Research on Planning and Path Optimization of Leisure Sports Activities based on Multi-objective Genetic Algorithm

Research on Planning and Path Optimization of Leisure Sports Activities based on Multi-objective Genetic Algorithm

Measures to Revitalize Consumption through the Analysis of Awareness and Demand in the Senior Sports Leisure Industry – Center of Weihai City, China -

Measures to Revitalize Consumption through the Analysis of Awareness and Demand in the Senior Sports Leisure Industry – Center of Weihai City, China -

Sustainable mobility and sports tourism: applying the theory of planned behaviour to football supporters

ABSTRACT Today, the importance of sustainable tourism has become a global issue. Sport tourism is a relatively recent area of focus, and football tourism is probably the most popular in leisure sport travel. Sustainable mobility is vital to reducing the environmental impact of sport tourism. Since attending football matches has a significant impact in terms of travel, this study investigated football spectators’ behaviours in relation to sustainable mobility. By administering approximately 1,500 questionnaires to French football supporters, this study explored what affects supporters’ decisions regarding mobility options. Based on the theory of planned behaviour, this study investigated the individual behaviour resulting from intentions, which in turn is influenced by attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control. This study also considered the role played by other internal factors, such as environmental concerns. Using structural equation modelling, the results highlight that supporters’ attitudes and opinions, and their perceived control of the behaviour and society’s subjective norms influence their behavioural intention in relation to adopting sustainable mobility actions. This study recognizes the strong willingness to adopt green behaviours among football supporters, which football organizations and tourism actors should support.

What does leisure have to do with mental health – arts, creative and leisure practices and living with mental distress

ABSTRACT There is a growing interest in the role of leisure, arts and creative activities in cultivating health and wellbeing across different contexts. Leisure sports have historically been considered beneficial for achieving health, and similar focus has recently been placed on arts and creativity. Recent research into the role of arts and creative engagement for wellbeing highlights the benefits of these modes of engagement on emotional wellbeing and social connectedness. In this article, we examine the ways arts, creative and leisure practices and mental health converge, co-exist and collide. We draw on feminist leisure studies scholarship and Sarah Ahmed’s work on emotion to discuss insights from our research into the everyday experiences of people living with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD). We utilise qualitative methods to investigate people’s experiences of meaningful leisure practices and the dynamics between leisure practices and living well with the distress. We explore how leisure activities initiate complex processes of discovery and production of meanings, identity and wellbeing. Our discussion emphasises that leisure practices contribute to producing everyday forms of self-care and provide transformative space for self-discovery yet are simultaneously inseparable from the politics of living with mental distress while navigating accumulated effects of distress.

Analysis of the Causal Relationship Between Sensory Pursuit Tendency, Exercise Behavior, Exercise Intention, and Safety Atmosphere of Participants in Marine Leisure Sports

Analysis of the Causal Relationship Between Sensory Pursuit Tendency, Exercise Behavior, Exercise Intention, and Safety Atmosphere of Participants in Marine Leisure Sports

Self-regulated leisure sports for health and well-being: learning from Harbour Runners’ community-based interventions and motivations through Instagram communications during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT The long COVID-19 pandemic had imposed substantial stress, social and leisure constraints on communities worldwide with respect to daily life, sport, and physical activities. However, many citizens still kept healthy lifestyle and exercise through self-regulation and community-based interventions. This study employed a netnographic design to investigate how a local recreational running community (the Hong Kong Harbour Runners) maintained community solidarity and implemented community-based interventions to encourage self-regulated leisure behaviours that promoted overall health and well-being during pandemic-induced social isolation. Empirical evidences were collected by analysing the community’s Instagram posts and interpreting the runners’ discourses and lived experiences. Collective and connective activities conducted through Instagram communications helped the community’s isolated runners to maintain their fitness and solidarity through self-motivated leisure running and sports activities, and provided emotional and social support through shared values, beliefs, experiences, and empathy to sustain their leisure behaviours and well-being.

Sense of safety or meaning in danger? Real-contact stick fighting as an imagistic ritual.

It is a common assumption that human behavior is guided by a desire to feel safe and avoid harm. However, this view is challenged by the popularity of high-risk leisure sport and other practices that involve subjecting oneself to a considerable danger with no apparent gain. By using real-contact stick fighting as an example, I suggest that the attractiveness of at least some such practices can be explained by cognitive dynamics that are typical of affectively intense rituals such as initiations. Affectively intense rituals are known to enhance personal meaning-making and foster identity fusion, that is, the overlapping of personal and social identities. The sense of meaning thus engendered effectively satisfies common identity motives and thus elicits positive affect. By introducing ritual studies perspectives into the edgework paradigm that is commonly used to conceptualize voluntary risk taking, I contribute to an increased understanding of the cognitive processes motivating participation in extreme leisure sport.

The correlates of coach leadership behavior and athlete competence motivation towards a sports mentoring program

This study assessed the factors associated with coach leadership behavior and athlete competence motivation, focusing specifically on Chengdu Sport University. The ultimate goal was to suggest a sports mentoring program based on the findings of the study. The respondents of the study were 152 student-athletes engaged in leisure sports and martial arts at Chengdu Sport University, encompassing disciplines such as sport climbing, ice hockey, judo, taekwondo, wushu routine, wushu sanda, martial art qigong, dragon and lion dance, cheer dance, and dance. Based on the conclusions derived in this study, the following are the recommendations: Sports organizations should prioritize diversity and inclusivity to accommodate all student athletes, regardless of age or gender. Emphasize diverse leadership styles, including training and teaching methods, and teach coaches to balance authoritarian and democratic systems. Coaches should aim for consistency and adaptability in their coaching methods to suit varying demands. Programs should focus on increasing competence motivation among student athletes, particularly in cognitive and social dimensions. Comprehensive athlete development programs should cater to both male and female athletes. Coaches should demonstrate leadership qualities, including good training, social support, and constructive criticism. Schools should develop a coach leadership development program to improve coaching effectiveness and overall well-being.