Perceptions Of Leisure Research Articles

Health Beliefs on Sportive Recreational Activities of University Students

The aim of this study is to examine the health beliefs of university students regarding sportive recreational activities and the differentiation of these beliefs by various variables. 203 university students were included in the study, and the data were obtained by demographic questionnaire and "Health Beliefs Regarding Sportive Recreational Activities" scale which is developed by Ertuzun, Bodur & Karakucuk (2013). Descriptive statistics, independent sample t test and one-way analysis of variance ANOVA and post hoc tests were used to analyze the data. For this study, the internal consistency coefficient of HBSSRA was determined as .91. The participants' health belief scores regarding sportive recreational activities were above the average, the highest sub-dimension score was obtained in the perceived seriousness sub-dimension (3.91±0.93), and the lowest sub-dimension score was obtained in the self-efficacy sub-dimension (3.04±0.90). At the same time, it was determined that the participants' health beliefs about sportive recreational activities did not differ according to gender and perceptions of productive leisure, but their health beliefs about sportive recreational activities differed with income and daily leisure time duration. As a result, it was determined that the participants' health beliefs about sportive recreational activities were at an average level and differed according to certain variables. It is recommended that increasing the participation of students in sportive recreational activities and increasing the health gains they are likely to achieve in this way in parallel.

Leisure Attitude, Self-Rated Health, and Psychological Well-Being in Older Adults: A Moderated Mediation Model.

A positive leisure attitude among older adults may have a beneficial effect on psychological well-being, both directly and indirectly by fostering a more positive perception of one's health. This paper presents a correlational design that explores associations among leisure attitude, self-rated health, and psychological well-being, and analyzes the potential moderating role of gender in these relationships. The sample was selected using simple random probability sampling (N= 409; 61.9% female; Mean age = 72.9; SD = 8.43¸ Range of age 53 to 93 years). Diverse sociodemographic information was collected, and leisure attitudes, self-perceived health, and psychological well-being (positive affect and emotional ties) were assessed. The results revealed a positive effect of leisure attitude on self-rated health and psychological well-being, with self-rated health fully mediating the association between the behavioral component of leisure attitude and psychological well-being. Furthermore, the moderating effect of gender on the relationship between self-rated health and psychological well-being was stronger among men. Positive cognitive and emotional perceptions of leisure among older adults seem to benefit psychological well-being and improve self-rated health, thereby contributing to healthy ageing.

Perceptions of Digital Leisure among Parents with Adolescents

Digital leisure is the main reason for the use of technology of adolescents and parents. This study aims to discover the perception of digital leisure amongst parents and to analyze whether their perception differs according to sociodemographic variables. To this end, the Leisure Attitudes Scale by Ragheb and Beard was adapted. It was self-administered online to 1200 Spanish parents (age, M = 46.61; σ = 5.33; 79.4% female). The Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis revealed a Likert Scale (1–6) of 17 items, which was named the Digital Leisure Perception Scale. This scale is made up of four factors with good link index (RMSEA=.08;CFI=.97;TLI=.95;SRMR=.02) and a total reliability of .92. The factors obtained are cognitive perception; behavioral perception; social perception and time perception. Significant differences were obtained with respect to gender, age and educational level. The resultant scale is presented as a valid and reliable instrument to analyze the perception of digital leisure.

Leisure and social occupational choice within nursing home facilities in Ireland: Residents perspectives

Background National standards for nursing homes in Ireland require that residents are offered a choice of recreational and stimulating activities to meet their needs and preferences. Aims/Objectives To investigate residents’ perceptions of leisure and social occupational choice in nursing homes in Ireland to determine if occupational choice is facilitated. Materials and method Qualitative-descriptive design – nursing home residents completed two semi-structured interviews that explored their experiences of leisure and social occupational engagement. Results Two overarching themes with six associated sub-themes emerged. From residents’ perspectives, social and leisure occupational choice was dependent on: Environmental factors (nursing homes’ Cultural, Social, Physical, and Temporal Environments) and Personal factors (residents’ Health Status and Personal Attitudes). Conclusion The cultural environment had the most significant influence on residents’ leisure and social occupational choice, highlighting the importance of person-centred care within nursing homes, to promote occupational choice. Resident’s health status was also identified as a contributing factor. Significance Occupational therapists could play a critical role in supporting the leisure and social occupational choices of nursing home residents by developing residents’ skills, educating staff and adapting tasks and the environment to limit/reduce occupational deprivation.

Understanding the Role of Leisure in Portuguese Adolescent Wellbeing Experience

Because adolescent leisure is important to development, we consider its role in Portuguese adolescent wellbeing. Data for this study came from 303 adolescents in grades 10, 11, and 12 living in a large urban area in northern Portugal. Self-report data were collected in classrooms using a cross-sectional design in two urban high schools. Hypothesis testing used seven hierarchical linear regression models. Except for subjective happiness, experiencing boredom in leisure and/or the ability to make a boring situation more interesting were strong predictors of each wellbeing experience in the predicted direction. Perceptions of healthy leisure were associated with higher levels of life satisfaction, subjective happiness, self-esteem, and positive affect. Active leisure was important to adolescent self efficacy and positive affect. Those who could restructure a boring situation into something more interesting exhibited higher levels of wellbeing experience. Adolescents who perceived parental autonomy control were more likely to experience boredom in leisure.

Gender-leisure nexus through a social justice lens: The voice of women from Iran

Leisure is recognised as offering individuals a chance for relaxation, self-development, social interaction, and wellbeing. However, women's participation and experience of leisure in many developing countries are constrained by gender stereotypes and gender-based inequalities. This study aims to investigate the interrelationship of gender, leisure and issues of social justice and equity in the developing country of Iran. This study also demonstrates how constraints to access and participation in leisure activities can further reinforce Iranian women's socioeconomic disadvantage. Twenty-five in-depth interviews were conducted to explore women's narratives of leisure activities and their perceptions of leisure in/equality. The findings reveal that issues such as society norms, cultural mythology and traditions, household and parental responsibilities, personal safety, and crises can restrict women's leisure in Iran. The implications of this study focus on transitional steps for societal changes to reduce marginalisation and bring into being a more inclusive and just society for women.

48 EXPLORING RESIDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF SOCIAL AND LEISURE OCCUPATIONAL CHOICE WITHIN NATIONAL NURSING HOME CARE FACILITIES

Abstract Background National standards state that nursing homes in Ireland must provide residents with a variety of engaging activities that accommodate their needs and preferences. Despite this, residents are at risk of experiencing occupational deprivation as a result of limited choices within these settings. Due to the subjective nature of occupational choice, the objective of this study is to analyse residents’ perceptions of leisure and social occupational choice in nursing homes in Ireland. Methods The study adopted a qualitative-descriptive design. Six residents from three different nursing homes participated in two semi-structured interviews that analysed their leisure and social occupational engagement within their nursing home. Results The data identified two main themes that were divided into six related sub-themes. Residents' felt their social and leisure occupational choice was influenced by: (1) environmental factors (the cultural, social, physical, and temporal contexts of the nursing home) and (2) personal attributes (residents' health status and personal attitudes). Conclusion Residents' leisure and social occupational choices are substantially influenced by the cultural context of the nursing home. This stresses the significant need for person-centred care in nursing homes, in order to promote occupational choice. The findings also highlight the benefits of accessible communal spaces to enable unstructured social interaction. Occupational therapists are essential to support the leisure and social occupational choices of nursing home residents and minimise occupational deprivation, by building residents’ skills, providing staff education and modifying tasks and/or the environment.

Barriers and enablers to leisure provision in residential aged care: personal care attendant perspectives

AbstractThis exploratory descriptive study investigated barriers and enablers to the provision of leisure activities for people living in three Australian residential aged care facilities (RACFs) that operated under a household model of care. This research is unique in the international context, as few studies have explored the understandings and experiences of personal care attendants' (PCAs) perceptions of what impacts leisure provision for people living in RACFs. Qualitative data were collected from 17 PCAs via four focus groups. Barriers to leisure provision were identified as PCA–resident ratios, competing demands of the PCA role and a prioritisation of physical care tasks over leisure-related activities. The severity of residents' dementia (cognitive and functional deficits) as well as behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia were also framed as barriers to participation in and the provision of leisure. Participants identified enablers of leisure provision as related to perceptions of leisure, the experiential knowledge of staff, organisational support and resourcing. The study findings suggest that enhancing leisure provision for people living with dementia will require attention to system issues (i.e. staffing levels, ratios, PCA role demands) as well as PCA knowledge and capability to facilitate person-centred leisure.

College students’ perceptions of healthy and unhealthy leisure: associations with leisure behaviour

ABSTRACT Despite social acceptance of some leisure activities as healthy or unhealthy, individual behaviour suggests the story is more complex as individuals engage in leisure in both healthy and unhealthy ways. To better understand how leisure behaviour is perceived, we assessed American college students’ perception of their own leisure activities’ healthiness, as well as their perception of healthy and unhealthy leisure activities in general. Three groups were observed: students who viewed all of their leisure as healthy, students who viewed their leisure as a mix of healthy and unhealthy activities, and students who viewed most of their leisure as unhealthy. Across groups, students participated in the same activities but categorised the healthiness of these activities differently. However, students shared an understanding of the types of leisure they considered to be generally healthy and unhealthy. Interventions should therefore promote healthy ways of engaging in leisure, rather than particular “healthy’ leisure activities.

What Have People Valued in Work or Leisure during the COVID-19 Pandemic? Focusing on Cohort Analysis of Public Perception Survey

This study analyzes the change in people's perceptions of work and leisure during the COVID-19 pandemic and the factors affecting it using data from public perception surveys conducted in 2021 and 2014. As analytical results, first, the orientation to balance work and leisure was increased in 2021 compared to 2014, resulting in a change in the public's perception of work and leisure. Second, in 2021, a higher education level and higher age indicated a higher orientation toward work-leisure balance.
 In addition, in terms of political ideology, progressives or conservatives were both more likely to pursue a balance between work and leisure than moderates. Third, in 2014, there was no difference in the work-leisure balance orientation according to the cohort, whereas in 2021— unlike the age effect— the low-age cohort showed a higher work-leisure balance orientation than the high-age cohort. This emphasizes the need for restructuring the system in accordance with the constraints of the environment during COVID-19 and the change in perception of the balance between work and leisure.

Leisure in mental health occupational therapy interventions: a qualitative investigation

Mental health care has been shifting from treating mental illness to health promotion. Occupational therapists aligned with the new paradigm can include leisure in their recovery-oriented interventions helping mental health patients live a meaningful and satisfactory life. The aim of this paper is to determine the common perceptions of leisure among occupational therapists who practice in mental health settings, and to understand how they implement leisure as an intervention when working with individuals with severe mental health disorders. A qualitative methodology was used to explore Occupational Therapy perceptions of leisure. Through snowball sampling 5 occupational therapists from a metropolitan city in the Midwest of the United States of America to complete a semi-structured interview were recruited. American Occupational Therapy Association Practice Framework (3rd edition) guided the thematic analysis. Three themes emerged, including Concepts of Leisure, Occupations, and Leisure as Therapy. Theme definitions, examples and implications are discussed. Although occupational therapy practitioners in mental health consider leisure important, it is underutilized in their interventions. The professional’s perspectives of leisure influences how they include it in their practice.

Sustainable Aging and Leisure Behaviors: Do Leisure Activities Matter in Aging Well?

A substantial portion of the gerontological literature has been directed towards the relationship between leisure and aging, particularly with the healthy life of older adults. The concept of leisure conveys varied meanings to persons, including identifying the leisure itself, the activity’s frequency, and its value to the participant. With increased longevity, the concept of aging well and related terms (e.g., “active aging”, “successful aging”, “productive aging”, “positive aging”, “healthy aging”, and “sustainable aging”) have been emerging themes for academic fields related to gerontology, exercise promotion, health care, and leisure activities. Thus, the aging population and human leisure activities must be considered sustainable as sustainability is primarily human-centered. This study explores older adults’ perceptions of leisure and aging well and their leisure behavior at senior welfare centers using qualitative data collection and methodology. Findings suggest that four main themes emerge: unfamiliarity with the concept of leisure and leisure engagement; evolving perceptions of senior centers and leisure benefits; limited physical functioning as a major leisure constraint; perceptions of major factors for aging well. Implications for researchers and policymakers are discussed.

“To have healthy leisure is to have balance”: Young adults’ conceptualization of healthy and unhealthy leisure

Leisure is an important developmental context in adolescence and emerging adulthood due to its role promoting healthy development and mitigating risk behavior. Empirical work has focused on the benefits and risks of activities and time use in these life stages, but the influence of subjective perceptions of leisure is often ignored. Furthermore, researchers lack consistent conceptualization of the terms healthy leisure and unhealthy leisure. Given this, the current study used a two-phased qualitative design collecting free-listing (nsubjects = 158) and focus group (nsubjects = 29; ngroups = 4) data on the perceived meanings of healthy leisure and unhealthy leisure in college students. Guided by free-listing results, focus group data were analyzed for commonalities. Descriptors of healthy were restorative, self-determined, and including a social element while unhealthy was excessive, lacked self-control, and included elements of escape. Findings illustrate the challenge of labeling leisure activity as healthy or unhealthy independent of contextual and individual factors and inform measurement development.

Discretionary Time Over Time: A Longitudinal View of Adults’ Lives and Leisure

This study examined how middle-aged adults perceive discretionary or free time in their lives and the ways in which their life experiences and reflections on life structure are related to these perceptions. Research focused specifically on how changes in perceptions of available discretionary time were related to changing life experiences, assessments of life structure, and perceptions regarding leisure over a nine-year period. Data came from the longitudinal investigation of leisure, life perceptions, and life values: A Study of Leisure During Adulthood, ASOLDA. Descriptive statistics and mixed models were used to examine longitudinal quantitative data from eighty-four study participants. Results indicated that perceptions of time scarcity were most common for adults in years in which they had experienced more negative life events, especially when these life experiences prompted them to rethink and re-evaluate their lives. This pattern was most marked for those who had more positive perceptions of leisure. Data from four qualitative case studies further illustrate findings and future theoretical directions are discussed.

Psychosocial Factors and Leisure Perception of the Elder in Two Districts Central Java Indonesia

The number of elder population is increasing significantly around the globe. Leisure time is the activities that someone does in his or her spare time, it has to be fun and conducted outside from the daily routine activities. Unproductive leisure spending becomes issues for the elders. The aim of this research is to find psychosocial factors that related to the perception of leisure amongst the elders. The study was conducted with a cross-sectional design. This research was conducted in Karanganyar and Surakarta. Sampling technique used was multistage random sampling. The sample was 160 elders. The measurement was done by a test. The questionnaire was used as the research instruments. Data analysis techniques were used with multiple linear regression analysis. Characteristics of the sample were 62.5% female, age 60–75 years (elder) 80.6%, education level 42.5% primary school or equivalent, health status 51.9% healthy no diseased, 67.5% not working, 68% severe cognitive impairment, mild and moderate about 44.7%, and 73% have a high spirituality. The level of depression has positive effect on the perception of leisure amongst the elder as significantly (b = 0.24; p = 0.001), higher cognitive level influenced the perception of elders leisure (b = 0.05; p = 0.03), and spiritual level influence is not significant to perceptions elders leisure (b = 0.02; p = 0.136). Levels of depression, cognitive level and spiritual level affected perceptions elder leisure (Adjusted R = 0.09; p = 0.001). The rate of depression and cognitive level are the important predictors of the perception of the usage of leisure time. Future researches are recommended to explore the other factors that influence perceptions of the elder leisure.

Enacting and resisting the politics of belonging through leisure. The debate about gender-segregated swimming sessions targeting Muslim women in Denmark

ABSTRACTIn 2016 women-only swimming sessions targeting Muslims made the headlines in the Danish media, precipitating great discussion about whether such sessions contributed to or impeded social integration. This article focuses on the debate in the city council of Aarhus concerning women-only swimming activities that had existed for 10 years and had been well attended. Yet, after a year of discussion, the city council voted for a municipality-wide ban on women-only swimming during public opening hours. The popularity and longevity of the sessions pose the question: Why and how has women-only swimming become a ‘problem’, in other words a leisure time physical activity that challenges current discourses on immigration and integration? The debate on women-only swimming is an interesting case to study as it testifies not only to an increasing focus on the civic integration of ethnic minorities, including their leisure practices, but also to strong resistance by the general public and the women affected. Drawing on a postcolonial feminist perspective, our analysis shows how perceptions of Danishness, gender equality and non-religious leisure become central arguments in the debate, pointing to various ways in which understandings of gender, sexuality, ethnicity, religion and nation intersect in the current restrictive politics of belonging.

Stepping Stones to Switch Access

This article will focus on teaching switch access for individuals who have significant communication and physical and sensory disabilities and are unable to use their hands for direct access to a s...

Leisure as a human right: an exploration of people with disabilities’ perceptions of leisure, arts and recreation participation through Australian Community Access Services

ABSTRACTCommunity Access Services (CAS) are defined as ‘Services designed to provide opportunities for people with disability to gain and use their abilities to enjoy their full potential for social independence’ [Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2015. Disability Services National Minimum Data Set Collection: Data Transmission and Technical Guide. Canberra: AIHW]. A notable absence of international research regarding leisure, arts and recreation through CAS exists. This study explores perceptions of people with disabilities on their participation in leisure, arts and recreation through Australian CAS. A constructivist grounded theory approach was used involving: memoing, observations, focus groups, interviews and questionnaires from people with disabilities and their families (n = 114); and a critical discourse analysis of texts (n = 42). Results revealed seven major themes including: transition to leisure, arts and recreation; individualized services; local accessible services; positive organizational culture; community inclusion; innovation and co-production. These findings may contribute to the transformation of CAS as people with disabilities actively engage as equal partners within leisure, arts and recreation as a human right.

Everyday leisure and happiness in worktown: a comparison of 1938 and 2014

ABSTRACTThis paper presents an analytical comparison of two surveys of subjective perceptions of leisure and happiness. The first was undertaken in 1938 by Mass Observation for its ethnographic study of everyday working-class life in Bolton, or “Worktown”. Leisure was found to be important to happiness insofar as it formed part of an everyday communal life, working through friendship, the appreciation of music and enjoyment of nature, reading and involvement in informal active citizenship. The second survey was undertaken in 2014 as a part-replication of the 1938 survey, using the method adopted by Mass Observation of linking a series of everyday situations and experiences to happiness. A total of 489 self-selecting respondents completed a questionnaire modelled on that used in 1938. The 2014 survey revealed a number of important continuities and differences from the survey of 1938 and the importance of leisure as an agent of happiness rose from eighth place in 1938 to third place in 2014.

Parent Perceptions of Children's Leisure and the Risk of Damaging Noise Exposure

The purpose of this study was to survey the attitudes of parents of adolescent children (with, and without, hearing impairment), with the following objectives: (1) compare perceptions of the parent groups regarding the risk of leisure-noise-related hearing injury; and (2) investigate how comfortable parents felt endorsing their child's participation in a range of everyday leisure activities, some which may involve noise exposure. Cross-sectional cohort study. Experimental group — parents of adolescents (aged 13–18 years) with hearing impairment (HI group) n = 53. Control group — parents of age-matched youths with non-impaired/‘normal hearing’ (NH group) n = 70. Rasch modelling was applied to evaluate the internal validity and reliability of the leisure attitudes items. Rasch-generated interval-level data and raw ordinal-level data were used to identify systematic differences between groups. Most parents (HI and NH groups) perceived leisure-noise to be a significant health risk for young people in general, but few perceived their own child to be at high risk. Parents in the HI group were significantly less comfortable overall, and with several specific leisure activities, than parents in the NH group but, conversely, were more comfortable with two activities. Concerns related to a variety of factors. Leisure-time activities provide a major opportunity for children to socialize and they are a crucial part of healthy emotional and physical development. Parent attitudes may influence children's participation. Parents may benefit from support in identifying and managing concerns about the impact of hearing impairment on their children's leisure participation.