The Impact of Family Leisure Activities on Health Status

Alton, Amber; Izenstark, Dina; Ebata, Aaron

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/78019 Copy

Description

Title

The Impact of Family Leisure Activities on Health Status

Author(s)

• Alton, Amber
• Izenstark, Dina
• Ebata, Aaron

Contributor(s)

• Izenstark, Dina
• Ebata, Aaron

Issue Date

2015-05

Keyword(s)

• Human and Community Development
• Family Leisure
• Health
• Social
• Depression

Abstract

The purpose of this research project was to examine if gender differences exist among college students in their participation in family leisure activities. Our project further investigated if differences in family leisure patterns between males and females also impacted their health status. A questionnaire was conducted that assessed each student's family leisure routines/rituals and how these experiences may have influenced their family relationships and/or health. Survey respondents were asked questions regarding their health, physical activity, indoor and outdoor leisure preferences, activities regularly engaged with family members, and demographic information. To document various patterns among males and females, each participant was given three different categories (most common activity, second most common activity, and third most common activity) where they were able to describe in their own words their family leisure activities. This data was then condensed into the following groups: watching media, meals, outdoor recreation, indoor recreation, playing sports, travel or vacation, social, shopping, and other. To fully examine each participant's health status we assessed their body mass index (BMI) and had them complete the Family Support scale (Zimet et al., 1988). Participants reported that their health in general, was excellent (22.3%), very good (55.3%), good (21.3%), and poor (1.1%). This research has important policy and practice implications in better understanding the impact of family leisure activities on health and whether gender differences exist between leisure activities.

Type of Resource

image

Language

en

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/78019

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2015 is held by the authors.

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