The Effects of a Leisure Education Program on Selected SocialPsychological Variables: A Three Month Follow-up Investigation*

Authors

  • Mark S. Searle
  • Michael J. Mahon

Keywords:

Leisure Education, Locus of Control, Perceived Competence, Selfesteem, Elderly, Day Hospital, Follow-up

Abstract

Previous research has cited the need for leisure education programs to ensure that leisure time experiences serve to enhance elderly individuals' psychological well-being. This study sought to determine the effects of a leisure education program on perceived leisure control, perceived leisure competence and self-esteem among elderly patients in a day hospital three months after their receiving the intervention. Forty-four volunteer subjects were randomly assigned to experimental and control group conditions. The experimental group received a leisure education program which occurred one hour per week for eight weeks. Both groups were administered a test battery, before and three months after the program, to assess the impact of the leisure education program on the dependent variables locus of control, perceived competence, and self-esteem while controlling for possible intervening variables. The results ofan analysis of covariance for perceived leisure competence were statistically significant. The findings for the other dependent variables, leisure locus of control and self-esteem, were not significant. The implications of these results for researchers and the delivery of leisure services in day hospitals are discussed.

Issue

Section

Research Papers