Basic Dimensions of Definitions of Leisure

Abstract

Despite its obviousness, the field of leisure research has lacked an empirical method to discover the underlying determinants of definitions of leisure. Based upon Kelly's (1972) and Neulinger's (1974) theoretical models, the present study sought to determine the relative contributions of perceived freedom (low vs. high), motivation (intrinsic vs. extrinsic) and work-relation (low vs. high) to male and female college students' perceptions of leisure. The results first revealed that each factor had a significant effect on the subjects' responses, thereby suggesting that freedom, motivation and work-relation all contribute independently and additively to the subjects' definition of leisure. But the results also disclosed that work-relation and freedom were interdependent in their influence over the subjects' perceptions of leisure. Sex differences further qualified these findings in that the interactive effects of freedom and work-relation were true for the male respondents but not when the female subjects' perceptions were considered. Theoretical and practical implications of the results were discussed.