Meaningful Leisure Activities Research Articles

Independence through community access and navigation: A supported leisure intervention for individuals with negative symptoms.

Promoting leisure participation requires a collaborative approach that emphasizes personal interests, strengths, and motivations. The purpose of this article was to test the effectiveness of the Independence through Community Access and Navigation (ICAN) intervention on community participation, recreation participation, and positive emotions among individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Using motivational interviewing and an individualized placements and support framework, the ICAN intervention focuses on working with participants to identify and participate in personally meaningful leisure activities by connecting with personal motivations and mainstream community opportunities. This randomized controlled trial was conducted with 74 participants diagnosed with schizophrenia with assessments conducted at baseline and posttreatment. Intervention effects were examined with repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Multiple regression analysis was also performed using a change score as an outcome variable and baseline negative symptoms score, condition, and interaction as predictors. There was no significant main effect of ICAN on positive emotions, recreation participation, or community participation; however, among those in the experimental group, those with impairments in motivation and pleasure experienced improvements in community participation. For individuals experiencing greater negative symptoms, a supported leisure intervention may be an effective strategy to explore personal motivations and increase leisure participation. Future research should test the intervention effectiveness specifically targeting a larger sample of individuals with more severe negative symptoms. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Self-employment in craft making – a career change towards personal sustainability.

Contemporary crafts are experiencing a vigorous revival not only as bearers of cultural heritage and meaningful leisure activity, but increasingly as a career choice. According to UNESCO, the creative economy is now one of the world’s most rapidly growing sectors. Recent statistics show that this is apparent in the Icelandic economy. With the rise in precarity of work and challenges in career development, people are seeking meaningful and sustainable careers, as is evidenced by an increase in self-employment and micro-entrepreneurship. The main research question of this study was: How do contemporary craft makers in Iceland make sense of taking up and maintaining financially risky self-employment? Data collection and analysis was therefore focused on motives and shared meaning. The primary empirical data consists of fifteen semi-standardized interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted. The constant comparison method was also applied. Needs for authenticity, autonomy, and self-determination, along with passion for creating, were important motives. Negative career shocks were an unexpectedly common motive. Three main themes were developed to describe how participants reasoned their career choice: a second chance, a natural choice, and an act of agency. The analysis revealed craft knowledge as a valuable resource for participants seeking personal sustainability through self-employment. The study adds to an understanding of the value of crafts and craft knowledge in contemporary society.Keywords: craft knowledge, self-employment, personal sustainability, career sustainability, career shocks

Knitting Ladies Online

Knitting Ladies Online

Svakodnevica osoba s intelektualnim teškoćama u organiziranom stanovanju

The process of deinstitutionalization in Croatia intensified in 2014, as a significant number of people with intellectual disabilities (hereafter ID) moved from institutional settings to group homes, which serve as a model for community settings. The current research aims to find out what everyday life is like for people with ID in group homes. A qualitative, ethnographic approach was applied. The methods used were observation and in-depth interviews. The sample consists of 13 female and 14 male participants from 11 group homes located in different parts of Croatia. The results show that people with intellectual disabilities are partially involved in everyday tasks in organized housing, although there is much more potential. A large part of the day is spent aimlessly, but there are also many examples of meaningful leisure activities. Mutual relations between tenants are in principle fine, but there is a lack of substantial communication and more intensive contact. The unfavorable characteristics of everyday life are particularly evident among tenants with severe disabilities and in housing units where staff are present most or all the time. The results obtained are discussed in the context of existing research.

‘They’ve just never been involved in it’: what senior athletes think about older people who do not participate in sport

ABSTRACT To date, despite the many recognised benefits of participation in sport, many older people do not participate in it. This study explored the opinions about barriers to participating in sport among non-active older people from the perspective of 463 senior athletes (M = 61.4, SD = 5.5 years) engaged in competitive sports. Participants completed a questionnaire including an incomplete sentence regarding the reason why many older people do not play sports. We analysed their answers using content analysis and performed bivariate analyses to determine possible associations with the sociodemographic and participatory characteristics of the sample. The results highlighted a range of perceived barriers which mostly related to past and present opportunities, and contained significant variations according to age, country of residence, and years participating in sports. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the way in which senior athletes perceive the barriers for the initiation of non-active older people in sports participation which could inform potential measures to promote greater participation in sport as a meaningful leisure activity among this age group.

I paint, I sing, I dance; I also have a mental illness: The importance of personally meaningful leisure activities in recovery from severe mental illness.

I paint, I sing, I dance; I also have a mental illness: The importance of personally meaningful leisure activities in recovery from severe mental illness.

Mind Sports: Exploring Motivation and Use of Cognitive Strategies in Bridge

The game of Bridge is one of the world's most widely played mind-sport games. A growing number of people consider it a meaningful leisure activity and are motivated to play. The aim of this study was to describe a sample of Bridge players in Israel in terms of demographics, player records, motivations, and cognitive strategies used to play Bridge and examine the associations between these variables. A sample of 488 Bridge players' completed an online demographic questionnaire, the Bridge Motivational Factors Checklist, and the Bridge Cognitive Strategies Questionnaire. Most players in the study were men with a mean age of 68.7 years and a Bridge player level between Vice Master and Senior Master. Most players play bridge because "bridge is a fun game". Strategy use that occurred in-game (versus pre- or postgame) obtained the highest mean score. Because Bridge is a strategy game that can be played from childhood to older adulthood, it is important to continue research to further understand the nature and different aspects of the cognitive strategy used among Bridge players and in other mind sports.

1353 “I’M MY OWN BOSS” - A QUALITATIVE STUDY WITH PEOPLE RECEIVING ADULT DAY SERVICES IN GERMANY ABOUT THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF LEISURE

Abstract Introduction Community-based care such as adult day services (ADS) are preferred by people with dementia. ADS offers the opportunity to support the health and social needs of their clients and provide respite to family members, contributing to a stable care situation at home. The psychological needs of humans according to the self-determination-theory (SDT) (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) can be fulfilled by leisure activities and thus improve well-being and quality of life. The implementation of leisure activities that reflect individual preferences support active participation, preserve autonomy, improve satisfaction with care and consequently can be understood as a core aspect of person-centred care. However, it is currently unknown how people receiving ADS understand leisure and which leisure activities they prefer. Method To gain insight, a qualitative design was chosen. We conducted semi-structure interviews with 13 people receiving ADS in Germany. Participants were recruited from two different ADS in one state in Germany. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis and categories of the SDT. Results The results show that over 90 % of participants were diagnosed with dementia and that the ADS was considered a place to participate in leisure activities. However, this consideration depends primarily on the degree of autonomy they experienced and thus the freedom to choose activities in the ADS according to their individual preferences. The participants mentioned a variety of preferred meaningful leisure activities related to competence and relatedness (e.g., mentoring, socializing, reminiscence). Conclusion The results indicate the importance of preference-based service design in ADS to meet clients’ psychological needs and thus provide person-centred care to improve well-being and quality of life. These results can be used to develop an item-based assessment tool to assess the preferences of people with care needs regarding leisure activities in ADS.

Examining the effects of an Educational Person-centered Intervention on Compensatory Strategies (EPICS) in older adults living with frailty: A mixed-methods pilot trial

This study aimed to explore effects of a two-session Educational Person-centered Intervention on Compensatory Strategies (EPICS) designed to increase knowledge of strategies, reduce barriers, and improve accomplishment of meaningful leisure activities (MLA) and well-being in older adults living with frailty. Using a double-blind concurrent mixed-methods design, 36 community-dwelling older adults were assigned to the experimental (EPICS) or control (friendly visits) group through a covariate adaptive randomization. Questionnaires were administered prior to the intervention and ± two months post-intervention. Individual semi-structured interviews conducted at the end of the study furthered the authors’ understanding of the effects of the intervention. Quantitative analysis revealed significant increase in knowledge of compensatory strategies and reduction of barriers for the experimental group only. Qualitative analysis (purposive sample, n = 8) showed enhanced well-being and self-activation. Discussions about barriers to accomplishment may be sufficient to trigger self-activation in someolder adults living with frailty to improve participation in MLA and well-being.

MEANINGFUL ACTIVITY ENGAGEMENT AND WELL-BEING AMONG DISABLED OLDER ADULTS: THE MODERATED ROLE OF ENVIRONMENT

Abstract Engaging in meaningful activities has been seen as an important way to sustain the well-being of older adults with disabilities and to achieve person-centered care. Yet, it is still unclear whether and to what extent meaningful activity engagement promotes well-being for community-dwelling older adults with disabilities, and how the environmental factors could affect these relationships. This study aims to investigate the relationship between meaningful activity engagement and psychological well-being, and to explore the moderated role of environmental factors (physical, attitudinal, service/support, policy). Survey data conducted in Taiwan between April and July of 2018 were analyzed by using multiple regression (N=1,244). Three types of meaningful activities (instrumental, social, and leisure) were identified based on a self-rated activity meaningfulness measure. Findings showed that higher levels of engagement in three types of meaningful activities were associated with better quality of life (QOL), but only engaging in meaningful leisure was associated with less depressive symptoms while adjusting functional status. Perceived better policy-related environment (e.g., long-term care services) could reinforce the positive effects of three types of meaningful activity engagement on QOL and depressive symptoms. Findings also indicated perceived attitudinal environment moderated the association between meaningful leisure activity engagement and QOL. These results established the influences of meaningful activity engagement on the well-being of community-dwelling older adults with disabilities and highlight the importance of age-friendly environment in supporting meaningful activity engagement and older adults’ well-being.

Exploring the facilitation of meaningful leisure activities in designated centres for older persons (nursing homes) in Ireland: A protocol for content documentary analysis of HIQA inspection reports.

Background: Nursing homes (NHs) in Ireland are regulated by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA). Regulations for nursing homes under the Health Act 2007 (as amended) states that registered providers must provide residents with facilities for occupation and recreation, and opportunities to participate in activities in accordance with their interests and capacities (Government of Ireland, 2013 - S.I. No. 415/2013). Despite the proven benefits of engagement in meaningful activities, when an older person enters a NH, they often lose autonomy in occupational roles, and engagement in meaningful activities (Causey-Upton, 2015). In 2019, HIQA highlighted that there were relatively high levels of non-compliance in the area of residents’ rights (HIQA, 2020). Aim: Given the central role of leisure activities to older adults’ health and well-being, this study aims to understand how NH residents in Ireland were afforded opportunities for meaningful engagement in activities prior to and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic (2019 – 2021). This will be conducted through analysing a sample of publicly available HIQA inspection reports for NHs from 2019 – 2021. Methods: A content documentary analysis will be conducted using a qualitative deductive approach. Purposive sampling will be used to select 21 nursing home reports for the years 2019, 2020 and 2021. The sample will include nursing homes reported to be non-compliant, substantially compliant and compliant in the regulation of residents’ rights. An inspection report for each of these NHs (n=21) for the year 2019, 2020 and 2021 will create a sample of 63 reports for analysis. This sample will capture three time points for the 21 NHs pre-pandemic and throughout the pandemic.

Leisure Possibilities of Adults Experiencing Poverty: A Community-Based Participatory Study.

Background. Poverty disproportionally affects persons with disabilities, elderly individuals and racialized groups. Leisure, play and rest are not prioritized in either services for or research with people living in poverty. Purpose. This study aims to examine the facilitators and barriers to participation in meaningful leisure activities for adults living in poverty. Method. We used community-based participatory research and art-based elicitation strategies with 39 service users at a food security organization. Findings. Individuals experiencing poverty value and engage in a variety of free and affordable leisure activities, but they are not afforded the necessary leisure opportunities, accommodations and supports as the general population. We co-created a map of local leisure resources to foster collective capacity in leisure planning, and to support organizations working with this population. Implications. Occupational therapists can work alongside members of underserved communities to uncover and address the systemic and local contextual barriers to engagement in leisure activities.

How young adults cope with loneliness: a study of London’s most deprived boroughs

ABSTRACT There is growing recognition that young adults of low socioeconomic status are among the loneliest in the United Kingdom. However, there has been a dearth of qualitative research exploring how they cope with their loneliness. Using a novel free association technique, this study sought to explore how young adults (n = 48) in London’s most deprived areas cope with feeling lonely. A thematic analysis, informed by an inductive approach, identified six key themes. Seeking connection, avoidance, seeking support and cognitive strategies were most prevalent. Meaning-focused coping and distraction were also identified, albeit less often. Overall, there were diverse ways of coping within and across respondents and important differences were found between the genders. The findings call for the early identification of those at risk of persistent avoidance behaviours and for interventions that provide meaningful leisure activities, with mutual goals in communities, alongside the strengthening of support and authenticity in relationships.

WAYS OF FORMATION OF SAFE BEHAVIOR OF MINORS IN MODERN CYBERSPACE

In the article we appeal to the generalized definition of the definition of «safe behavior in cyberspace». This is a set of actions of a person when interacting with the Internet, during which the information retrieval, analytical, cognitive, leisure and other «useful needs» of the user are satisfied, as well as the prevention of risks and dangers of attracting him to dangerous, malicious content intentionally or accidentally. The purpose of the study is to study the general ways of forming the safe behavior of minors in modern cyberspace. The formation of safe behavior skills in cyberspace will be facilitated by the development of relevant general competence among minors: «respect for human rights online»; «participation online»; «preservation of health when working with digital devices»; «Seeking help and protection». One of the priority areas for the effective formation of the safe behavior of minors in modern cyberspace is the development and promotion of the so-called network. «cognitive cyberspace». The specified technological process is formed by events specially organized on the respective activity platforms. The introduction of such content provides minors with opportunities to develop safe behavior skills, personal media literacy; diverting attention from negative content, online dangers; promoting proper, selective attitudes towards all content in cyberspace. It also contributes to the development of professional competencies in the field of cyber technologies of the modern digital environment and the implementation of innovative meaningful leisure activities on their basis. Creates conditions for the development and dissemination of cybersecurity ideas, rational and productive behavior in the digital space; the basics of correct understanding of the possibilities of cyberspace, the realization of one's creative, intellectual potential, understanding the ways of personal development and public recognition.

“It didn't bring back the old me but helped me on the path to the new me”: exploring posttraumatic growth in British veterans with PTSD

Purpose This study explores the role of scuba diving therapy in growth experiences of ex-servicemen. Previous research has focused on difficulties arising from re-entering civilian life after deployment. Known mental health challenges occurring after severe combat related trauma exposure include depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, less is known about the potential positive transformation which can occur when individuals navigate these challenges. Known facilitators of this positive transformation, often referred to as posttraumatic growth (PTG), are still sparse in this participant pool. Methods This study utilized an in-depth qualitative approach of interpretative phenomenological analysis utilizing semi-structured interviews. A homogeneous sample of five male British ex-service personnel with a diagnosis of PTSD who identified with PTG was recruited. Results All participants reported positive mental health benefits from diving with four themes emerging: human connection; meaningful leisure; embodiment; and the calm. Conclusions Scuba diving appeared to afford instant access to lasting relief of anxiety, stress, and symptoms of PTSD and reduction of physical symptoms of their trauma connected to underwater weightlessness. The reduction of PTSD symptoms carved space for PTG, facilitated through a meaningful leisure environment with opportunities for human connection with individuals who had gone through similar experiences. Implications for rehabilitation Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) respond less well to conventional treatments for PTSD than civilian populations. Scuba diving has the potential to benefit veterans by giving access to relief from anxiety and symptoms of PTSD, such as hypervigilance and invasive thoughts. Scuba diving not only reduces symptoms of physical and psychological ill health but can facilitate wellbeing and growth. Scuba diving, as a meaningful leisure activity, could potentially enhance medical and psychological therapy.

Повседневная жизнь эвакуированных ленинградских детских домов в годы Великой Отечественной войны

The purpose of the research is to determine the main aspects of the everyday life of Leningrad orphanages evacuated to Krasnoyarsk Krai during the Great Patriotic War: children’s adaptation to the new living conditions, formation of a mixed age children’s group, organisation of meaningful leisure activities for children, etc. The research is novel in that it introduces into scientific use archival materials written by caregivers of the evacuated children’s institutions. As a result, it has been shown that by studying the local history of children’s institutions, it is possible to complement significantly the history of the rear area population’s everyday life during the Great Patriotic War, to experience the world of rear area childhood placed in the context of catastrophic events of the era.

Football Fitness - a figurational study of a new type of leisure football as a meaningful activity for men

This article offers a nuanced exploration of Football Fitness (FF), a newer ‘sport for all' concept carried out in associative sport clubs in Denmark. The aim of the study was to examine FF as a meaningful leisure activity for men. Seven focus group interviews were conducted with 26 heterogeneous male FF players aged 24 to 76. Data were analysed by means of thematic network analysis within the interpretive tradition. Drawing on figurational sociology, more specifically Elias and Dunning’s perspective on leisure sport as a quest for excitement, and Connell’s theory of masculinities, we present three elements of the empirical material all highlighting the social significance of the FF concept. 1: The men’s fight for recognition in the club, 2: Competition as a play element and 3: Social bonding and sport as a male preserve. The findings of the study demonstrate a hegemony of multiple masculinities in football clubs. The play-pleasure values associated with the FF concept does not receive much recognition compared to traditional competitive football. Consequently, the FF players feel like the strange newcomers, experiencing being regarded as outsiders compared to the established players in the clubs. Our study indicates that organisational change do not automatically generate cultural change when implementing health-promotion initiatives such as FF.

Generating meaningfulness through lifelong and life-wide leisure engagement with music

The authors in this article each bring a particular insight to the overarching question of how pedagogical and facilitation approaches can deepen and strengthen a lifelong value attached to music learning and engagement in leisure music activities. It is argued that when learner voice is privileged and social connections are embedded in pedagogical approaches early on, for example in formal school music or extracurricular youth learning contexts, this will likely underpin lifelong habits of engagement in valued, meaningful leisure activity. A lifelong learning mindset, oriented around serious leisure, can in turn promote the quality of later life, when a potential sense of loss related to personal work and family identity can be profound.

Effects of Leisure Participation on Life Satisfaction in Older Korean Adults: A Panel Analysis.

South Koreans’ life expectancy has dramatically increased over the last four decades. However, the life satisfaction index of older Korean adults has been in the bottom third globally. The large majority of older Koreans spend most of the day watching television at home. However, concrete evidence regarding the effects of leisure involvement on older adults’ quality of later life is scant. Only a few existing studies have examined the link via cross-sectional survey data. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether meaningful leisure participation outside the home in older age plays an essential role in improving life satisfaction. To achieve the research aim, nationally representative panel data from the Korea Employment Information Service were used for the data analysis. The results indicated that social and productive leisure participation in religious activity, social gatherings, and volunteering was significantly related to quality of life in older adults. Moreover, frequent participation in travel and cultural activities outside the home were positively related to life satisfaction. These findings suggest that participation in meaningful leisure activities is a critical factor contributing to subjective well-being and good mental health in older Korean adults and should be encouraged.

Promoting the social participation of seniors through meaningful leisure activities to support satisfying aging

Fostering the ability of seniors to participate in leisure activities on their own and in a satisfying manner is an important vehicle for enhancing their social participation. Indeed, the social pa...