Chapter 7 Enhancing the Leisure Experience Motivations & Constraints

Leisure Motivation WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN LEISURE ACTIVITIES??????

Reasons for Participation Classifications of leisure: Formal groups including social clubs, fraternal organizations, etc Informal groups Travel Sports participation Watching sports Television and radio Fishing/hunting Gardening Sewing and woodworking Reading Visiting friends and relatives

Why we participate…… Just for the pleasure of it Welcome change from work New experiences Chance to be creative Chance to achieve something Contact w/friends Make time pass Service to others

Objectives of Leisure 1. relaxation 2. diversion 3. self-development 4. creativity 5. sensual transcendence

Categories of leisure objectives: Relaxation: sleeping, resting and daydreaming Diversion: activities that provide change of pace Self Development: learning to sing or participation in clubs and cultural activities

Creativity: playing an instrument or discussion about a specific topic Sensual transcendence: activation of senses and sexual pleasure.

Components of Leisure Activities Psychological—sense of freedom, enjoyment, challenge Educational—intellectual challenge Social—relationships w/others Relaxation—relief from stress Physiological—fitness, health, wellness, well being Aesthetic—response to pleasing design and environment

Self-Determination Intrinsic Motivation: The doing of an activity for its inherent satisfaction rather than for some separable consequences. When intrinsically motivated, a person is moved to act for the fun or challenge entailed rather than because of external prods, pressures, or rewards.

Flow “The state when individuals’ skills are harmonious with the demands of the activity in which they are engaged.” When an activity is overly demanding for an individual’s abilities, anxiety will result. There is probably greater danger underestimating the abilities of older individuals than overestimating their abilities as a result of myths.

SEEKING AND ESCAPE “There are only 2 fundamental dimensions to leisure motivations:” Seeking personal and interpersonal intrinsic rewards Escaping persona and interpersonal environments

Optimal Arousal Primary Leisure Motivator. We seek to be in a state of uncertainty and stimulation. This is often achieved through novelty in activities. For example: an aquatics program can be made stimulating by the introduction of new exercises, equipment, or members into the class.

FINDING PERSONAL MEANING IN LEISURE Personal growth Success or achievement Altruism Hedonism Creativity Religion Legacy

LEISURE CONSTRAINTS Any factor interfering with the pursuit of leisure, such as poor health or lack of opportunities for active engagement, may be viewed as a constraint.

Examples Decline in visual acuity may result in the loss of the ability to drive and therefore lack of transportation may become a problem Reduced income resulting from retirement and reliance on social security as a major source of finances may magnify the effects of not having enough money.