Participation In Leisure Activities Research Articles

LEISURE IN PSYCHOLOGY AND ISLAM: COMPARATIVE STUDIES

Islam is a exhaustive religion that talks about many facets of daily life, including recreational or leisure activities. Since leisure research has always been regarded primarily through the lens of Western psychology theory, it has grown significantly in Europe and America. There hasn't been any more research done on the benefits of leisure activity participation from an Islamic perspective. This study tries to compare leisure from the viewpoints of psychology and Islam. Comparative research is conducted by reading and analysing carefully from a variety of pertinent sources, including those from Islam and psychology. The findings indicated that psychology and Islam encourage leisure activities that are beneficial for addressing psychological, educational, social, self-relaxation, and physiological demands. While Islam dictates that one's leisure time activities do not contradict with Islamic beliefs in order to create happy people in this world and the hereafter, psychology is more open in many areas.

Gender differences in the relationship between loneliness and health-related behavioral risk factors among the Hakka elderly in Fujian, China.

To explore gender differences in the relationship between loneliness and health-related behavioral risk factors (BRFs) among the Hakka elderly. Loneliness was measured by the UCLA Loneliness Scale Short-form (ULS-8). Seven BRFs were examined. Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, and post hoc tests were conducted to compare the differences in ULS-8 scores among the Hakka elderly with different BRFs. Generalized linear regression models were employed to examine the associations of specific BRF and its number with the ULS-8 scores among the Hakka elderly in male, female, and total samples. Physical inactivity (B = 1.96, p < 0.001), insufficient leisure activities participation (B = 1.44, p < 0.001), unhealthy dietary behavior (B = 1.02, p < 0.001), and irregular sleep (B = 2.45, p < 0.001) were positively correlated with the ULS-8 scores, whereas drinking (B = -0.71, p < 0.01) was negatively associated with the ULS-8 scores in the total sample. In males, insufficient leisure activities participation (B = 2.35, p < 0.001), unhealthy dietary behavior (B = 1.39, p < 0.001), and irregular sleep (B = 2.07, p < 0.001) were positively associated with the ULS-8 scores. In females, physical inactivity (B = 2.69, p < 0.001) and irregular sleep (B = 2.91, p < 0.001) was positively correlated with the scores of ULS-8, while drinking (B = -0.98, p < 0.05) was negatively associated with the ULS-8 scores. More BRFs were significantly related to greater loneliness (p < 0.001). There are gender differences in the relationship between loneliness and BRFs among the Hakka elderly, and individuals with more BRFs were more likely to feel loneliness. Therefore, the co-occurrence of multiple BRFs requires more attention, and integrated behavioral intervention strategies should be adopted to reduce the loneliness of the elderly.

The association of various physical activities with erectile dysfunction: NHANES 2001-2004.

The relationship between erectile dysfunction (ED) and physical activity has been established in several previous studies, but there is little information on the specific forms of activity that affect ED. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship of 4 exercise categories and 2 activity intensities with ED in US men. We used data sets from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2001-2004. We used odds ratios (ORs) and multivariate logistic regression models to investigate the relationship between physical activity and ED. We also conducted subgroup analyses by age and controlled for potential confounder variables using propensity score matching analyses. The primary outcome was ED as assessed through self-reporting. An overall 4094 adult men were included in the study. Adjusted multivariate regression models indicated that men who participated in monthly muscle-strengthening activities (OR = 0.75, P = .031), leisure activities (OR = 0.76, P = .024), or vigorous activities (OR = 0.64, P = .001) had a lower risk of ED. The subgroup analysis showed that among those ≥40 yearsold, muscle-strengthening activity (OR = 0.67, P = .005), leisure activity (OR = 0.72, P = .006), and vigorous activity (OR = 0.50, P < .001) were negatively associated with ED. After adjustment of propensity score matching, leisure activity and vigorous activity were also associated with a lower risk of ED, and muscle-strengthening activity was not significantly associated with ED. Our findings could provide guidance to clinicians in helping patients with ED develop exercise programs. We explored the relationship of 4 types and 2 intensities of exercise with ED, using a large sample size and sampling weights to produce representative data. However, this is only a cross-sectional study. Active monthly participation in leisure and vigorous activity is associated with the maintenance of erectile function, while the relevance of muscle-strengthening activities needs further study.

Factors Associated With Participation in Physical Leisure Activities in Taiwanese Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

This study was to identify factors at the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and community levels that relate to physical leisure participation in Taiwanese community-dwelling older adults and to examine their relative importance. We used a cross-sectional study with purposive sampling (N = 160). Physical leisure participation was quantified as the variety, frequency, and duration of participation. Data were analyzed using a series of hierarchical multiple linear regressions. The results showed that higher variety, frequency, or duration of physical leisure participation was associated with older males and with those who reported having better health, fewer depressive symptoms, and greater social support. Intrapersonal- and interpersonal-level factors play a relatively more important role in predicting physical leisure participation than factors at the community level. Understanding factors that relate to these three levels of participation has the potential to inform interventions that are tailored to individual profiles.

Participation in Everyday Leisure and Its Influencing Factors for People with Intellectual Disabilities: A Scoping Review of the Empirical Findings

Background: Participation is often defined as taking part and being included in different areas of life. Leisure represents an important area of life for all people. People with disabilities have the right to experience leisure time in a self-determined manner. They have the right to participate in leisure activities on an equal basis with others. Due to various influencing factors, people with intellectual disabilities, especially those with severe to profound intellectual disabilities, are at risk of decreased participation. This is alarming because participation in leisure activities reflects quality of life. Purpose: The present study aims to review the empirical findings on leisure participation and its influencing factors in people with mild to moderate disabilities as compared to people with severe to profound intellectual disabilities. Method: A scoping review following the PRISMA-ScR checklist by Cochrane and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) was conducted to examine research studies published in peer-reviewed journals between 2000 and 2022. The studies that were included relate to activities within the everyday leisure time of people with intellectual disabilities, regardless of age, gender, or severity of their cognitive disability. The categories of vacation and tourism were excluded so as to focus on everyday leisure. The sample was screened by two reviewers independently. In total, 27 articles met the inclusion criteria, with 21 articles referring to people with a mild to moderate intellectual disability and only six articles referring to people with a severe to profound intellectual disability. The evidence was summarized with a predefined standardized charting form, which was used by the two reviewers. Results: The results show that participation in leisure activities by people with intellectual disabilities can be limited, especially for those with severe to profound intellectual disabilities. This contradicts the guiding principle and human rights of inclusion and self-determination. Their participation in leisure time is extremely dependent on external factors, such as support people, leisure time availability, and form of living. Passive activities at home are often provided for people with severe to profound intellectual disabilities in particular; therefore, the need for interactive and self-determined leisure opportunities in the community is enormous. Various factors influencing leisure participation can be identified. Implications: The findings of this scoping review can be used to consider intervention, support, and barriers to enhancing leisure participation among people with disabilities as an important area of life.

The mediating effect of leisure activities in the relationship between depression and cognitive decline in middle age and older adults in Taiwan

BackgroundDepression can affect the development of cognitive functions, and there are many people with depressive symptoms and cognitive decline in the aging population. The role of mediators between depressive symptoms and the subsequent cognitive decline remains unclear. We aimed to investigate whether depressive symptoms can slow down cognitive decline through a mediator.MethodsA total of 3,135 samples were collected in 2003, 2007, and 2011. This study used the CES-D10 and SPMSQ (Short Portable Mental State Questionnaire) to measure depression and cognitive functions. The effect of depression trajectory on the subsequent cognitive dysfunction was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression, and the mediating effect was analyzed using the Sobel test.ResultsThe results of the multivariable linear regression analysis showed that after including different variables in each model, such as leisure activities and mobility in 2003 and 2007, women had a higher percentage of depressive symptoms in each model, compared to men. The effect of depression in 2003 on cognitive decline in 2011 was mediated by intellectual leisure activities in 2007 in men (Z=-2.01) and physical activity limitation in 2007 in women (Z=-3.02).ConclusionsThe mediation effect of this study shows that people with depressive symptoms will reduce their participation in leisure activities, which will lead to the degeneration of cognitive function. We suggest that if depressive symptoms are addressed as early as possible, people will have the ability and motivation to delay the decline of cognitive function through participation in leisure activities.

Leisure, Employment, Community Participation, and Quality of Life in Primary Caregivers of Autistic Children: A Qualitative Study

PurposeIn prioritising the needs of their autistic children, parents often modify their own participation across leisure, social, and workforce activities. Few studies have examined the impact these modifications have on caregiver quality of life (QoL). The aim in the current study was to examine how parenting their autistic child/ren impacts parent’s participation and QoL.MethodsTwenty primary caregivers (29–48 years, all female) of autistic children (7–11 years) were interviewed online about their participation in leisure, community, and employment activities including the impact of COVID-19.ResultsFive themes with underlying subthemes were identified using reflexive thematic analysis. The themes were: (1) Reflecting on the important things in life, (2) Getting access to everything needed, (3) Barriers to participation in meaningful activities, (4) Facilitators of participation in meaningful activities, and (5) Participation through the COVID-19 pandemic.ConclusionThe findings highlight the importance of regular participation in meaningful activities for parents of autistic children and the support needed by them, particularly single parents, to achieve balance between meeting caring responsibilities and their own participation needs.

Lifting urban mobility for the poor: Cable-cars, travel satisfaction and subjective well-being

Studies on travel and life satisfaction in vulnerable Global South contexts are scarce. This paper contributes by addressing how travel satisfaction, neighborhood satisfaction, and social capital relate to life satisfaction among a low-income community in Bogotá (Colombia) as a case study. Building on the available literature, we propose six hypotheses to understand such relationships before and after a cable car implementation, considering control and treatment groups. We defined seven latent variables and three objective indicators. We tested the hypotheses using a multiple-cause multiple-indicator modeling approach, which allowed us to identify how the comprehensive cable car intervention impacts perceptions and life satisfaction. Results showed that the principal factors associated with life satisfaction were neighborhood satisfaction as well as leisure activity participation, while travel time and transport affordability had negative effects. Positive changes in satisfaction regarding the travel experience can trigger significant improvements in life satisfaction in low-income communities in Latin America.

Leisure constraints among Turkish families: a multi-level approach

ABSTRACT Despite the increase in the number of recreational facilities in Turkey, participation in leisure activities is still low. It is essential to understand the reasons behind the lack of participation in leisure activities to build better programs. The purpose of this research is to analyze the influence of leisure constraints and motivation on the intention to participate in physical and social leisure activities among Turkish families. Data were collected from a total of 420 individuals from 122 families. Hierarchical Linear Modelling was applied to analyze the data at both the individual and family levels. Results showed that while motivation has a significant influence on constraints and intention, constraints do not influence intention. The significance of the relationships on the family level revealed the influence of family members on each other with regards to motivation, constraints, and intention. The results also supported that study participants prefer social activities over physical ones.

Exposure factors associated with dementia among older adults in Iceland: the AGES-Reykjavik study.

The study aimed to assess whether factors related to cognitive performance were associated with the development of dementia. Additionally, the study aimed to establish whether cognitive performance at baseline or change in cognition between baseline and follow-up (five-year period) had a stronger association with whether an individual would fulfill a dementia criterion at follow-up. The data was collected from 2002 to 2011. Logistic regression was applied to the AGES-Reykjavik Study epidemiological data. The analysis, which builds upon previous data analyses of the same dataset, included 1,491 participants between the ages of 66 and 90. All those included were considered to have normal cognition at baseline; 8.2% (n = 123) of them fulfilled a dementia criterion at follow-up five years later. The study's results indicated that being high on cognitive reserve factors reduced the risk of developing dementia. Compared to other known dementia risk factors, cognitive reserve factors (education level, participation in leisure activities, and self-reported health) were more likely than others to have an association with dementia. Additionally, the study's findings showed that cognitive performance at baseline, rather than change in cognition between baseline and follow-up five years later, had a stronger association with dementia at the follow-up assessment. Together, these findings support the notion that promoting high cognitive reserve throughout the lifespan and reaching high cognitive performance is important in reducing dementia risk.

Impact of Recreational and Leisure Activities on the Quality of Life of Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

This study examines the effect of participation in leisure and recreational activities on quality of life among parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in Jaipur, India. The study focuses on the challenges faced by parents of children with ASD and their impact on the parents' QOL. Additionally, this paper highlights the need to consider the mental health of parents in the interventions proposed for children with neurodevelopmental disorders.&#x0D; The article explores the effect of leisure and recreational activities on the quality of life among parents of children with ASD, a relevant topic in the rehabilitation field. Parents of children with ASD often experience high levels of stress and anxiety, which can negatively impact their quality of life. Participating in leisure and recreational activities has been suggested as a potential way to reduce stress and improve well-being. The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of such interventions.&#x0D; The results of the study indicate that participation in leisure and recreational activities can significantly improve the quality of life of parents of children with ASD. The study provides support for the use of leisure and recreational activities as a rehabilitation intervention for parents of children with ASD. The findings suggest that healthcare professionals working with families affected by ASD should consider incorporating leisure and recreational activities into their interventions to improve the well-being of parents. Overall, the study highlights the importance of addressing the needs of parents of children with ASD and provides evidence-based support for the use of leisure and recreational activities in rehabilitation programs.&#x0D; The article is relevant to the rehabilitation field as it highlights the importance of considering the mental health of parents in interventions proposed for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. It also emphasizes the need to incorporate leisure and recreational activities as part of the treatment plan to enhance the QOL of parents of children with ASD. The valence points to take note of in the discussion include the impact of leisure and recreational activities on the QOL of parents and the need to provide support for parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Content validity of the Scoliosis Research Society questionnaire (SRS-22r): A qualitative concept elicitation study.

Scoliosis Research Society-22 revised (SRS-22r) is the common questionnaire used to evaluate health related quality of life (HRQOL) for young people with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The aim of this study is to evaluate its content validity for this population. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of young people with AIS (Cobb angle ≥25˚, aged 10-18 years). Concept elicitation was used to evaluate the influence of AIS on participants' HRQOL. Participant information sheets and consent/assent forms were age relevant. Topic guide was informed by the SRS-22r and existing evidence. Interviews were audio and video recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded, and analysed using thematic analysis. Derived themes/codes were compared with SRS-22r contents (domains/items). Eleven participants (mean age 14.9 years [SD = 1.8]; 8 female) were recruited. The mean curve size was 47.5° [SD = 18°] and participants had been managed via different approaches. Four main themes emerged with associated subthemes: 1) Physical effects related to physical symptoms (back hurt, stiffness) and body asymmetry (uneven shoulders), 2) Activity-related effects showed impact on mobility (sitting for long periods), self-care (dressing), and school activities (focus during lessons), 3) Psychological effects revealed emotional (feel worried), mental (sleep quality), and body image effects (hide back from others), 4) Social effects (participation in school and leisure activities), and school, friends and mental health support. A weak association was found between items of the SRS-22r and the identified codes. The SRS-22r does not adequately capture important concepts that relate to HRQOL of adolescents with AIS. These findings support revision of the SRS-22r, or the development of a new patient reported outcome measure to evaluate HRQOL of adolescents with AIS.

Characteristics of Inclusive Web-Based Leisure Activities for Children With Disabilities: Qualitative Descriptive Study.

The participation of children with disabilities in leisure activities is a key determinant of their physical and mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic has limited participation in leisure activities for all children, particularly those with disabilities. As a result, children with disabilities may be less active while feeling more isolated and stressed. Web-based communities and activities have become increasingly important. Understanding how web-based activities include or exclude children with disabilities can contribute to the development of inclusive communities that may support participation after the pandemic. This study aimed to identify factors that may facilitate or prevent the participation of children with disabilities in web-based leisure activities. We adopted a qualitative descriptive interpretative methodology and conducted interviews with 2 groups of participants: service providers offering inclusive web-based leisure activities and parents of children with disabilities who have engaged in web-based leisure activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. A semistructured interview format was created based on the Theoretical Domains Framework. The questions focused on the description of the web-based activities offered by the service provider (eg, age range, frequency, cost, target population, and type of activity offered) and any adaptations to make the web-based activity accessible to children and youth with disabilities, and their perceptions and beliefs about what supported or deterred participation in the activities. A total of 17 participants described their experiences in participating in and creating web-based leisure programs and the factors preventing or facilitating children's participation in web-based activities. Environment and context factors included accommodations, the format of activities and the web-based setting, stakeholder involvement, and materials and resources available. Activities that had flexible schedules, both recorded and live options for joining, and that provided clear instructions and information were perceived as more accessible. Beliefs involved the characteristics of the child and the family environment, as well as the characteristics of the organizations providing the activity. Activity facilitators who were familiar with the web-based environment and knew the specific characteristics of the child facilitated their participation. Engagement in community champions and respect for children's individual preferences were perceived as positive. Access to technology, funding, and caregivers' ability to facilitate child engagement are crucial factors that must be considered when offering web-based programs. Web-based environments offer an accessible and safe option for leisure participation when public health conditions prevent children with disabilities from participating in in-person activities. However, to make web-based activities accessible to children with a variety of disabilities, there needs to be a clear plan toward universal web-based accessibility that accounts for individual needs and collective approaches to web-based leisure. Future work should consider developing and testing guidelines for web-based accessibility, equity, public policy, and programming considerations in offering these activities for all children.

The Relationship Between Sensory Processing Patterns and Participation in Childhood Leisure and Play Activities: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Objectives: Sensory processing patterns can be related to children's preferences for various activities. Still, our understanding of how different sensory processing patterns are related to children's participation in leisure activities is fairly limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between sensory processing patterns and children's participation in leisure activities. Methods: In this systematic review, the PRISMA (The Preferred Reporting Items For Systematic Reviews And Meta-Analyses) Guidelines were followed. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, Springer, ProQuest, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Medline, OT Seeker, SID, and Healio databases using the following keywords: “Participation”, “leisure”, “play”, “sensory processing”, “sensory integration”, “sensorimotor”, “sensory”, and “children”. A total of 5040 articles were found, of which 5027 were eliminated after the review, and finally, 13 articles were included in the study based on the inclusion criteria; 6 of them entered the meta-analysis process. The meta-analysis was performed using CMA software. Results: The meta-analysis of 6 studies illustrated a significant correlation between the energy level and desire to participate in leisure activities, the auditory-visual sensitivity and willingness to participate in leisure activities, the sensory processing patterns and the intensity of involvement in leisure activities, the general sensory processing and desire to participate in leisure activities, the sensory processing patterns and desire to participate in informal activities, the olfactory sensitivity and desire to participate in leisure activities, the auditory filtering and desire to participate in leisure activities, the sensory processing patterns and enjoyment of participation in leisure activities, and finally sensory processing patterns and desire to participate in recreational activities. Discussion: The evidence in articles on sensory processing patterns and participation in play and leisure activities is inadequate. The only conclusion drawn from all patterns of sensory processing is the significant relationship between these patterns and the preference to participate in recreational activities (which is just one of the several leisure activities).

I Would Like to Do It Very Much! Leisure Participation Patterns and Determinants of Brazilian Children and Adolescents With Physical Disabilities.

To describe the patterns, preferences, and predictors of participation in leisure activities of children and young people with physical disabilities from Brazil. This is a cross-sectional study that included 50 children/young people with physical disabilities from the southeast of Brazil. The children were assessed using the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment and Preferences for Activities. Children/young people participated in an average of 38% of the activities, with a greater number and frequency of informal, recreational, social, and self-improvement activities. The average frequency of participation in the activities was twice in the previous 4 months. The enjoyment in the participated activities was high. There was a greater preference for recreational, social, and physical activities. Age and functional classification were predictors of participation. This study of children with disabilities from the southeast of Brazil supports studies in other low- and middle-income countries, demonstrating low diversity and intensity of participation in leisure activities, but with high levels of enjoyment.

An Education on the Importance of Comfort Sociology

Our society mainly consists of men, women and children and their various age groups. If these elements are not there, it cannot be a society. All these people together form the society. Our society responds differently to entertainment and leisure. All individuals play an important part in how they function in society and how they respond to recreation and leisure. The way we perceive our roles in society affects our recreational and leisure activities. We should consider the ways in which we as individuals and our society come together when it comes to recreation and leisure. As individuals we must ensure that our roles in society have a positive impact. Society in general does not consider how their roles affect their influence and leisure. As our society is constantly changing, so is the balance between work and leisure in society. Today All over the world there is a balance between rest and work in favor of work. The increased importance on work is a result of the influence of the Western world on the whole world. In all these global societies, we have adopted the mindset that work, which is a major aspect of human life, must be successfully completed before rest. This mindset has changed the way we view leisure in our society, leading to a dramatic decline in participation and participation in leisure activities. However, I believe I am inconsistent with this mindset, as my journey through life has taught me the importance of rest. This has made it my life’s mission to make leisure my work. How was my leisure trip? These are two different components but work together. This research paper is based on what are the factors that affect us as individuals in society and how it relates to our leisure time.

Prevalence of depressive symptoms and its association with social support among older adults: The Brazilian National Health Survey

BackgroundThe study aimed to assess the association between depressive symptoms and social support measures among non-institutionalized Brazilian older adults. MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out with data from the last National Health Survey, conducted in 2019. A descriptive analysis of the study variables was performed, followed by a multiple regression analysis to teste the association between the dependent variable (depressive symptoms, assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and independent variables (household arrangement, marital relationship, leisure activities, voluntary activity, religious activity, activities in associations/leaderships, work and receiving social support (friends and family). ResultsThe sample comprised 22,723 older adults and 13.1 % had depressive symptoms. There was a positive relationship between the number of people in the household and the prevalence of depressive symptoms. Individuals with support from family members only (PR 0.69; 95 % CI 0.51; 0.92) and those with support from family and friends (PR 0.53 95 % CI 0.40; 0.70) had a lower prevalence of depressive symptoms than those without support. Participation in leisure and religious activities was inversely associated with depressive symptoms. A negative association was found between work and the presence of depressive symptoms (PR 0.83; 95 % CI 0.70; 0.99). LimitationsThe cross-sectional design limits causal inferences and the survey did not include institutionalized individuals. ConclusionsThe lower prevalence of the outcome among older adults with social support highlights the importance of evaluating these measures and practicing activities that allow personal and social interactions among this age group.

Hosting friends and relatives as a catalyst for immigrant participation in touristic leisure

Participation in leisure activities has been broadly shown to have positive impacts on immigrant integration. Hosting Friends and Relatives (HFR) is a highly contextual leisure activity that encourages immigrants to explore their new communities, and helps them forge connections and attachments between old and new worlds. This study surveyed 2,201 panel respondents from Toronto, Canada on their touristic leisure activities while hosting. Findings show that recently-arrived immigrant hosts visit more attractions and areas of their community, and are more likely to be participating in these experiences for the first time than other resident hosts. These results provide quantitative support for the notion, as established through previous qualitative research, that hosting can be a mechanism that pushes immigrants to engage in touristic leisure in their new communities, thereby strengthening place attachment and integration.

The contribution of the smartphone use to reducing depressive symptoms of Chinese older adults: The mediating effect of social participation.

Depression is a prevalent mental health disorder. Although Internet use has been associated with depression, there is limited data on the association between smartphone use and depressive symptoms. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between smartphone use and depressive symptoms among older individuals in China. 5,244 Chinese older individuals over the age of 60 were selected as the sample from the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS) 2018 dataset. The dependent variable "depression symptoms" was measured using the 9-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale. The study employed multiple linear regression to investigate the relationship between smartphone use (independent variable) and depressive symptoms in older people. Thorough analyses of robustness, sensitivity, and heterogeneity were conducted to ensure the robustness and sensitivity of the findings. Additionally, mediating effect analysis was performed to elucidate the mechanism through which the dependent and independent variables were related. Empirical study indicated that smartphone use had a negative impact on depressive symptoms among older adults, specifically leading to a reduction in such symptoms. The above-mentioned result was verified through endogenous and robustness tests. The heterogeneity analysis revealed that older individuals aged 70 years and above, male, and residing in urban areas exhibited a stronger association between smartphone use and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, the mediating effect model indicated that political participation, voluntary participation, and active leisure participation mediated the relationship between smartphone use and lower levels of depression symptoms among the older adults. However, passive leisure participation had a suppressing effect on the relationship between smartphone use and reduced depressive symptoms among the older adults. The causal relationship between variables required further investigation with a longitudinal design. These findings suggested that smartphone use may be considered an intervention to reduce depression symptoms among older people by increasing levels of political participation, voluntary participation, and active leisure participation.

The development and validation of the Leisure Internet Usage Scale (LIUS)

ABSTRACT This study aimed to examine the main constructs related to internet usage for the purpose of leisure and develop a valid and reliable scale to analyse participation in internet activities. By reviewing the literature and the based-on semi-structured focus group interviews, the factors for the internet activity participation were determined. The data were collected from two different participant groups, and exploratory factor analysis (n = 283) and confirmatory factor analysis (n = 307) were performed on the data respectively. The results showed that four factors were linked to leisure activity participation: i) information/self-improvement; ii) shopping, iii) multimedia usage, and iv) social interaction. The validity of the scale was calculated through content, convergent, and divergent validity tests. Internal consistency and stability of the scale were determined through Cronbach’s alpha and Pearson correlation coefficients. In conclusion, the findings revealed that Leisure Internet Usage Scale was a valid and reliable instrument.