Social Leisure Research Articles

Effects of social interaction on leisure item preference and reinforcer efficacy for children with autism.

We replicated and extended Kanaman et al. (2022) by comparing outcomes of solitary (leisure items only), social (leisure items with social interaction), and combined (leisure items alone and leisure items with social interaction) stimulus preference assessments to determine the extent to which the inclusion of social interaction influenced the outcomes of preference assessments for five children with autism. We then conducted reinforcer assessments to determine the reinforcing efficacy of high- and low-preferred leisure items when presented with and without social interaction. The results showed that both high- and low-preferred items functioned as reinforcers to varying degrees for all participants and the inclusion of social interaction increased the reinforcing efficacy of some items for all participants. Additionally, the results showed that combined preference assessments predicted reinforcer assessment outcomes for two of five participants but produced false-negative outcomes for three participants. Clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed.

The funnel effect of reserves prompted by leisure activities across the Alzheimer's disease continuum.

Reserves' mechanisms explain inconsistencies between accumulation of neuropathological damage and clinical manifestations. Leisure activities are believed to promote reserves. This study evaluates whether cognitive, social, and physical leisure activities performed over life-span predict current cognitive functioning in normal aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD) continuum. 35 AD, 24 amnestic-Mild Cognitive Impairment (a-MCI) patients, 21 individuals with subjective cognitive complaint (SCD), and 25 controls underwent a questionnaire developed to quantify leisure activities in different life periods, the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R), and T1-weighted 3T-MRI scans for brain volumetrics and cortical thickness quantification. Partial/total leisure activities' scores and demographic and brain variables were entered as predictors, while ACE-R scores as dependent variables in linear regression analyses. Current level of cognition was predicted by (i) social and physical activities performed in middle age and current cognitive activity in AD; (ii) cognitive and social activities performed in middle age, current age and cortical thickness in a-MCI; (iii) recreational activities the set of lifetime, current age, and brain features in SCD; (iv) education and the set of lifetime leisure activities over lifespan in controls. This study shows a funnel effect due to gradual reduction of stimulatory activities in the transition from healthy aging to AD. Reserve indices taking into account different types of stimulatory activities allow to capture even smallest residual effects of reserves accumulated over lifespan, until their complete depletion at advanced AD stages. These results may help target tailored interventions during normal and pathological aging.

Lifestyle factors associated with episodic memory in middle-aged and older adults: evidence from a 9-year longitudinal study

BackgroundEpisodic memory naturally deteriorates with age, and its deficits are widely recognized as the most significant feature and the most sensitive indicator of cognitive decline. It has been suggested that adopting a healthy lifestyle can play a protective role in preserving episodic memory. This study aimed to systematically examine the relationship between lifestyle factors (social activities, leisure activities, physical activities, internet use, smoking, alcohol drinking, and sleep quality) and episodic memory in middle-aged and older adults.MethodsThe current study included 10,392 participants from the Chinese Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey. A linear mixed model was used to explore the associations between lifestyle factors and episodic memory performance and the age- and sex-specific effects of the association.ResultsLow-frequency alcohol drinking, higher engagement in social, leisure, and physical activities, increased internet use, and improved sleep quality were associated with better episodic memory performance in middle-aged and older adults. Stratified analyses demonstrated that internet use significantly correlated with episodic memory performance in middle-aged adults but not in older adults. On the other hand, sleep quality showed a significant association with episodic memory performance in women but not in men.ConclusionsThis study highlights the association between various lifestyle factors and episodic memory performance, with variations observed based on age and sex. Adopting healthy lifestyle factors can have positive effects on episodic memory in middle-aged adults, emphasizing the importance of adhering to healthy lifestyles from middle age onwards to counteract episodic memory decline.

Relationship between the Human Development Index and public social spending: European experience for Ukraine

This study focuses on the relationship between the Human Development Index (HDI) and public social expenditures, analyzing socio-economic models using the examples of selected European countries and Ukraine. The study used the values of the HDI, GDP, and indicators of public expenditures for social purposes, namely, healthcare, education, leisure, culture and religion, and social protection for the period from 2010 to 2021. The analysis targeted 13 European countries using data sets from Eurostat, the Office for National Statistics of the United Kingdom, the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine. The input time series were checked for lagged values using the STATISTICA software.Empirical evidence suggests a relationship between HDI and public social spending. An increase in the share of public social expenditures in GDP leads to an increase in HDI and vice versa. European countries with a social-democratic model of development have the highest level of centralization of public expenditure in GDP (34.72%) and the highest HDI (0.930), while countries belonging to the Southern European model have the lowest share of socially oriented public expenditure (30.41%) and the lowest HDI (0.873). In addition, there is a time lag between the investment of public funds in healthcare, education, leisure, culture and religion, and social protection and their impact on HDI changes. Thus, ensuring a high level of HDI is achieved, among other things, through state financial support for the relevant components of the social sphere and social protection. AcknowledgmentThe study is funded by the EU NextGenerationEU through the Recovery and Resilience Plan for Slovakia under project No. 09I03-03-V01-00130.

Bidirectional changes in depressive symptoms and social functioning in older adults attending psychological therapy services

BackgroundImpairments in the ability to carry out social activities commonly co-occurs alongside depression. Improving social functioning is often overlooked in treatment. This is despite the high value placed by patients on social functioning and the potential for interventions focused on social functioning to have additional benefits in reducing depressive symptoms. In older adults the relationship between depressive symptoms and social functioning during treatment is poorly understood. MethodsWe analysed data across the first four treatment sessions of 3260 older adults receiving psychological therapy for depression at eight NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression services in England. Analyses were random-intercept cross-lagged panel models, modelling bi-directional change between depressive symptoms, and impairments in (a) social leisure activities, and (b) close relationships, controlling for gender and diagnosis. ResultsOver treatment sessions, depressive symptoms and impairments in social functioning decreased. A bi-directional relationship was observed whereby depressive symptoms were associated with future impairments in social functioning and vice versa. Changes in depressive symptoms appeared to have a greater association with future social functioning, compared to the reverse. LimitationsPatients lived in Greater London and findings may not translate to other settings. We included older adults that attended at least four treatment sessions, and had no missing data at the first assessment, potentially biasing the sample and results. ConclusionsOlder adults receiving psychological therapy experience reductions in depressive symptoms and impairment in social functioning early in treatment. Treating core depressive symptoms and impairments in social functioning may benefit one another, and improve outcomes.

New challenges for higher education: self-regulated learning in blended learning contexts

IntroductionThe study on self-regulated learning in blended learning (BL) environments highlights its crucial relevance for both the academic development of students and the evolution of contemporary educational methods. This research focused on conceptualizing self-regulated learning in university contexts with a BL modality, using direct student perceptions.MethodsAn inductive qualitative approach with a phenomenological design was employed. Responses from 312 undergraduate students who had completed their first or second year were analyzed; 65 participated in 10 focus groups (two per area of knowledge according to OECD classification), and 247 participated through a survey. Descriptive analysis was used to obtain a range of content and meanings associated with students’ perceptions of SRL-BL.ResultsThe study conceptualized SRL-BL as a process where students structure, monitor, and evaluate their learning using self-reflection and digital technologies, with particular emphasis on planning. Significant differences were identified between SRL-BL and traditional SRL; in face-to-face education, teacher supervision is greater, while in SRL-BL, students take on more responsibility and autonomy, developing self-management skills. Although SRL-BL fosters autonomy and responsibility, students face obstacles such as distractions from social media and leisure technologies, which affect their concentration and study planning.DiscussionIt is essential to address the new challenges students face to maintain a high level of SRL in Blended Learning environments (SRL-BL) and the strategies they use to overcome them. The need to update the concept of self-regulated learning (SRL) in the current educational context, influenced by technological advances, is concluded.

Understanding How People Perceive and Interact with Public Space through Social Media Big Data: A Case Study of Xiamen, China

Public space is a crucial forum for public interaction and diverse activities among urban residents. Understanding how people interact with and perceive these spaces is essential for public placemaking. With billions of users engaging in social media expression and generating millions of data points every second, Social Media Big Data (SMBD) offers an invaluable lens for evaluating public spaces over time, surpassing traditional methods like surveys and questionnaires. This research introduces a comprehensive analytical framework that integrates SMBD with placemaking practices, specifically applied to the city of Xiamen, China. The result shows the social sentiment, vibrancy heatmaps, leisure activities, visitor behaviors, and preferred visual elements of Xiamen, offering urban designers valuable insights into the dynamic nature of citizen experiences. The findings underscore the potential of SMBD to inform and enhance public space design, providing a holistic approach to creating more inclusive, vibrant, and functional urban environments.

Balancing Academic and Personal Life: Challenges for Medical StudentsPersonal Life in Medical Students

Medical students are found to experience stress with a considerable impact because of the academic studies they are undertaking. High demands compared to non-medical students can interfere with other life domains, such as personal life. This interference can manifest in several ways, such as diminished time for social interactions and leisure activities. The purpose of this study was to explore and understand the potential impact on the relationship between academic life and personal life. The research was conducted with a sample of 7 medical student participants from Universitas Padjadjaran. Participants completed a questionnaire with 5 open-ended questions designed to capture their experiences and perspectives in detail. The findings revealed that a significant number of participants struggle with time management, feeling that their academic commitments leave them with minimal time for free activities and social engagements. This imbalance contributes to a sense of inadequacy in maintaining a fulfilling personal life. The study highlighted that a well-rounded personal life is crucial for sustaining optimal academic performance. A good personal life can provide good academic conditions, but the lack of free time for personal life makes participants do other alternatives such as postponing, procrastinating, and causing stress. Addressing these issues requires a holistic approach that not only alleviates academic burdens but also promotes a healthy balance between professional and personal domains. It’s essential for ensuring the well-being and success of medical students in both their academic pursuits and personal life.

20-Year trends in the social participation of the oldest old.

To investigate 20-year trends in social participation among the oldest old (77+ years) in Sweden and assess the extent to which changes in educational attainment and functional abilities explain these trends. Seven waves of the Swedish Panel Study of Living Conditions of the Oldest Old (SWEOLD) spanning 2002-2021 were used with a repeated cross-sectional design. To analyse the association between time and social participation we employed the Karlson-Holm-Breen method of decomposition. The study focused on informal social participation (contact with friends and family), leisure participation (public or semi-public gatherings), and formal participation (organisational engagement and study circle attendance). Both leisure and informal participation peaked in 2014 and declined in 2021, influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, whereas formal participation showed a slight increase in 2021. Total participation increased at least until 2011. Overall, older adults have increased their levels of social participation in recent decades, disregarding the influence of the pandemic. Decomposition analysis revealed that population-level changes in educational attainment and functional abilities explained a substantial portion of the observed trends. As the proportion of older adults continues to rise, it becomes increasingly important to understand the developments and drivers of behavioural change in the older population. As more people are socially active, there may be increasing differences between those participating and those not - which could lead to increased inequalities. The observed trend in increasing participation, influenced by changes in education and health, emphasises the importance of fostering age-friendly environments and addressing potential social inequalities among older adults.

Effects of different types of leisure activities on working memory across the adult lifespan

The aim of the present study was to contrast the potential influence of five independent types of leisure activities (physical, mental, social, cultural, and passive) on working memory in a lifespan sample and in specific stages of adulthood (young, middle-aged, and older adults). A sample of 1652 healthy adults between 21 and 80 years of age participated in the study. Leisure activities were assessed through a lifestyle questionnaire created for the study. Working memory was measured in the verbal and spatial domains using a computerized n-back task that allowed us to reliably measure discrimination and reaction times. Across adulthood, mental (computer use and hobbies) and social leisure activities predicted greater verbal and spatial working memory discrimination; mental (reading) and social activities predicted faster verbal working memory; and mental (computer use) and physical activities predicted faster spatial working memory. In young adults, mental (computer use) and social activities were associated with greater verbal and spatial working memory performance. In middle-aged adults, physical and mental activities (computer use) were associated with greater working memory performance. In older adults, physical, mental (hobbies), and social activities were associated with greater working memory performance. Leisure activities can enhance working memory discrimination and speed independent of individuals’ age.

Effects of Utilitarian, Hedonic and Social Motives on Mall Shoppers Satisfaction

The primary objective of the study was to comprehend the factors influencing customers' choices in supermarket shopping. A notable concern arises as shoppers tend to frequent supermarkets regardless of the availability of alternative modern shopping options nearby. Employing the convenience sampling method, the research distributed 300 self-administered questionnaires at Mlimani City, a significant mall in Dar es Salaam, and retrieved 291 completed responses. Guided by consumer behavior theories, the study focused on utilitarian, hedonic, and social factors influencing customer satisfaction with supermarket shopping experiences. The findings emphasized the paramount importance of social factors, followed by hedonic factors, in shaping customer satisfaction. Utilitarian factors exhibited a stronger impact on behavioral intention but had a relatively lesser influence on overall customer satisfaction with the supermarket experience. This highlights that, for many Tanzanians, supermarkets serve as spaces for social interaction and leisure activities rather than purely for shopping. These insights carry significant implications for academia, managers, and policymakers, offering valuable perspectives to enhance the supermarket shopping experience for Tanzanian consumers.

Prevalence of anxiety and depression, level of physical activity, and quality of life in physical education students from a university in northeastern Brazil

Introduction: Anxiety and depression are disorders that may arise when an individual enters higher education, a pivotal moment in their professional career, leading to various changes in behavior and lifestyle and potential consequences such as specific routine alterations, reduced levels of physical activity, and limited free time for social life and leisure. The psychological challenges manifest across various spheres of the student's life: physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and academic performance. Objective: To describe the prevalence of anxiety and depression, the level of physical activity, and the quality of life among undergraduate students in physical education from a university in northeastern Brazil. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with 120 (22.3±4.4 years) undergraduate (56) and bachelor (64) students in physical education. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale Questionnaire, and the WHOQOL-bref Questionnaire were administered to one hundred and twenty students enrolled in the Physical Education course at the State University of Paraíba. Results: There is a prevalence of anxiety and depression among the students. Highly active or active students showed lower prevalence of anxiety and depression compared to irregularly active and sedentary ones. Regarding the students' quality of life, the social relationship domain presented a higher score while the physical domain had the lowest, however, all above 50% of the total score. Conclusion: Higher education students in undergraduate and bachelor's programs in physical education from a northeastern Brazilian university exhibit few anxious and depressive symptoms, high levels of physical activity, and good quality of life.

Analysis of losses in physiotherapy students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a phenomenological approach

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, young people have experienced numerous personal losses across various aspects, impacting their quality of life. This study aimed to explore and analyze the losses experienced by physiotherapy students during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA qualitative phenomenological study was conducted using an open-format exercise carried out during the Clinical Specialties class from February to May 2021. Thirty-four (83% female) third-year physical therapy students participated. ATLAS.ti software was used for the analysis and coding by three researchers.ResultsAnalysis of the categories revealed various losses experienced by the participants, including losses in psychological well-being, physical health, the social sphere (friendships, relationships with partners and family members, and experiences of death), spiritual losses (loss of freedom and identity), leisure time (travel, recreational activities and physical exercise), and different losses related to university studies (motivation and enthusiasm and clinical practices).ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant losses among physiotherapy students, with losses in the social sphere being the most prevalent. This study can serve as a foundation for developing resources aimed at enhancing the well-being of physiotherapy students, promoting optimal academic performance, improving self-care, and reducing psychosocial problems.

A survey on the short to medium-term satisfaction of neurological patients treated by functional surgery for the correction of limb deformities

Objectives Functional surgery (FS) is often used to correct congenital or acquired deformities in neurological patients. Along with functional results, short- and medium-term patient satisfaction should always be considered a key goal of surgery and rehabilitation. The aim of this study is to assess the short to medium-term satisfaction of patients who underwent FS and its correlation with perceived improvements. Methods Invitation to an anonymous online survey was sent via e-mail to all neurological adult patients or caregivers of children who underwent lower or upper limb FS over the 2018–2020 period. The survey investigated patients’ satisfaction with the surgery and the variation in pain, ADLs, level of independence, body image, self-esteem, social interaction skills, participation in social events, leisure activities and sports, and use of orthoses or walking aids. Descriptive data analysis was performed. Correlations were assessed using Kendall’s tau. Results 122 out of 324 adults and 53 out of 163 children’s caregivers filled out the questionnaire, with a response rate approaching 40%. Eighty-three percent of adult respondents and 87% of the children’s caregivers were satisfied or very satisfied in the short and medium terms and reported their expectations had been met. Satisfaction was significantly correlated (p < 0.01) with improvements in functional abilities, social participation, self-esteem, and pain reduction. Half of the adults and 40% of children stopped using their orthoses or replaced them with lighter ones. Dissatisfaction and worsened conditions were reported by <10% of the respondents. Conclusion According to patients and caregivers, FS was satisfactory in the short and medium terms, following improvements in all the ICF domains for most patients.

Public Spaces for Older People: A Review of the Relationship between Public Space to Quality of Life

This paper investigates the relationship between public spaces and quality of life (QoL) for older adults, aiming to identify knowledge gaps within the context of population ageing and urbanisation. Recognising the growing importance of sustainable urban development, the research explores how cities can foster active ageing and improve QoL through accessible and inclusive public spaces. A scoping literature review identifies five key QoL domains for older adults: autonomy, meaningful activities, positive social relationships, leisure opportunities, and health. To identify knowledge gaps, a review of the literature was conducted for each of the highlighted themes. The review highlights areas requiring further investigation, including the interplay between environmental design and social connections, intergenerational perspectives on public space liveliness, the influence of context on QoL and the built environment, and the value of qualitative research in this field. By contributing to the understanding of QoL in relation to public spaces through the lens of person–environment fit theory, this study aims to inform urban design, landscape architecture, and policymaking in the creation of age-friendly communities with inclusive public spaces.

Socioeconomic inequalities in pandemic-induced psychosocial stress in different life domains among the working-age population

BackgroundPsychosocial stress is considered a risk factor for physical and mental ill-health. Evidence on socioeconomic inequalities with regard to the psychosocial consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany is still limited. We aimed to investigate how pandemic-induced psychosocial stress (PIPS) in different life domains differed between socioeconomic groups.MethodsData came from the German Corona-Monitoring nationwide study – wave 2 (RKI-SOEP-2, November 2021–February 2022). PIPS was assessed using 4-point Likert scales with reference to the following life domains: family, partnership, own financial situation, psychological well-being, leisure activity, social life and work/school situation. Responses were dichotomised into “not stressed/slightly stressed/rather stressed” (0) versus “highly stressed” (1). The sample was restricted to the working-age population in Germany (age = 18–67 years, n = 8,402). Prevalence estimates of high PIPS were calculated by sex, age, education and income. Adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) were estimated using Poisson regression to investigate the association between education/income and PIPS; high education and income were the reference groups.ResultsThe highest stress levels were reported in the domains social life and leisure activity. Women and younger participants reported high stress levels more frequently. The highest inequalities were found regarding people’s own financial situation, and PIPS was higher in low vs. high income groups (PR 5.54, 95% CI 3.61–8.52). Inequalities were also found regarding partnerships with higher PIPS in low vs. high education groups (PR 1.68, 95% CI 1.13–2.49) – and psychological well-being with higher PIPS in low vs. high income groups (PR 1.52, 95% CI 1.14–2.04).ConclusionSocioeconomic inequalities in PIPS were found for different life domains. Generally, psychosocial support and preventive interventions to help people cope with stress in a pandemic context should be target-group-specific, addressing the particular needs and circumstances of certain socioeconomic groups.

THE QUESTION OF THE ORGANIZATION OF FUNCTIONAL ZONES IN ELDERLY REHABILITATION CENTERS

In most modern countries, significant strides have been made in the social sphere to cater to the needs of children, foster the education of youth, and provide conducive working environments for adults. However, challenges persist when it comes to catering to the needs of the elderly population. The issue is compounded by the escalating numbers of elderly individuals across various nations, with China being particularly affected due to historical state birth control policies. This demographic shift is not exclusive to China but is also emerging in other populous nations. Consequently, there is an urgent need to prioritize the establishment and enhancement of social welfare institutions and rehabilitation centers. A critical aspect of this endeavor is the development of well-designed architectural and planning solutions for these facilities, encompassing various functional zones such as the entrance, residential areas, medical and rehabilitation centers, spaces for physical activity and recreation, social adaptation areas, leisure zones, and economic facilities. The creation of comfortable and purposeful environments within these institutions is essential for addressing the evolving needs of the aging population and ensuring their overall well-being.

AN EXPLORATORY RESEARCH TO REVEAL THE HABITS, MOTIVATIONS, AND TENDENCIES OF GENERATION Z TO USE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS AS A LEISURE ACTIVITY

Generation Z’s (Gen-Z) technology-centered lifestyles have resulted in a departure from traditional behavior patterns, particularly in their use of social media platforms (SMPs) for leisure activities. In this regard, an exploratory, qualitative research approach was adopted in the present study, which deeply understands the perceptions and feelings of Gen-Z members’ engagement with the SMPs for their leisure pursuits. Inductive content analysis was performed on the data collected from 107 Gen-Z member university students selected using convenience sampling. The perspectives and internal and external motivations of Gen-Z members towards producing content on SMPs are discussed within the scope of social comparison and social presence theories, while their views on whether to perform recreational activities are built on the theoretical foundations of leisure constraints (intrapersonal, interpersonal, and structural) and facilitators. Gen-Z behaviors regarding joining or not joining groups were framed based on social media engagement (behavioral, affective, and cognitive) and leisure constraints. The results obtained will lead to the opening of new discussion areas for the creation of modern marketing strategies for the recreation industry, marketing organizations, and public institutions and organizations.

Assessing functional impairment in university students: psychometric study of the Portuguese Work and Social Adjustment Scale in a help-seeking sample

Background: It has been advocated that higher education settings should promote a supporting environment devoted to improving several dimensions of well-being of their communities. Particularly in clinical services, the assessment of functional impairment is of outmost importance. Goals: The present study aimed at analysing factor structure and psychometric properties of the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS), a 5-item scale developed to assess the patients’ perceived functional impairment resulting from a health problem in five dimensions: work, social leisure activities, private leisure activities, and relationships with others. Methods: A sample of 207 university students that sought mental health support (22 years old of mean age; majority female and undergraduate) answered a set of self-report questionnaires including the WSAS and measures of anxiety, depression and quality of life. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis indicated an adequate fit to the single-factor structure, and the scale presented very good reliability. Concurrent, convergent and incremental validity were also found, and the WSAS differentiated groups with different levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Discussion: Overall, our results corroborate that WSAS is a brief, reliable and valid measure, useful in research and clinical settings. Further research is needed particularly regarding temporal stability, discriminative power between clinical and nonclinical populations, and within clinical samples between different diagnosis.

Digital technology uses, purposes, barriers and training programs for culturally and linguistically diverse older adults: a systematic scoping review

PurposeThis scoping review article aimed to systematically search the literature on the use, purpose and barriers of information and communication technology (ICT) for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) older adults in the host country. The review also conducted a search for literature on programs that aim to develop digital literacy skills for CALD older adults.Design/methodology/approachA scoping review approach was utilized to identify and search the available literature, and to map the key concepts. A total of 23 relevant articles were included following a systematic search across seven databases.FindingsThe review suggests that CALD older adults use ICT for various purposes, including social interaction, health management, information gathering, immigration, everyday routines and leisure. The barriers faced by these older adults in using ICT encompass fear and limited knowledge, language issues, lack of interest, limited access to technology and health concerns. The existing training programs focus on enhancing self-efficacy and confidence and promoting attitudinal changes toward ICT.Originality/valueDespite the presence of empirical studies, few scoping or systematic reviews have focused on CALD older adults and technology. Research developments related to the technology use of CALD older adults and associated training programs have been fragmented and sporadic, resulting in gaps in the evidence base. This review fills such a gap to better understand the research status connected to CALD older people’s technology adoption and use.