Background
Leisure is a source of wellbeing and a force for positive change in people's lives (Anderson & Heyne, 2012a; Caldwell, 2005; Carruthers & Hood, 2004). Leisure offers diverse choices for participation in activities that evoke enjoyment. Through leisure, people experience positive emotions, which link directly to health and wellbeing (Fredrickson, 2009, 2013a, 2013b, 2015). Leisure can fulfill creative-expressive needs and help people derive purpose and meaning in their lives, which can lead to personal development and self-determination. Leisure provides opportunities to build social relationships, a key contributor to happiness (Coleman & Iso-Ahola, 1993; Seligman, 2002, 2011).
Hypotheses/Research Questions
This study explored the relationship between leisure and other dimensions of wellbeing. The Flourishing through Leisure Model (Anderson & Heyne, 2012b) provided the theoretical framework to test which aspects of wellbeing most influence overall wellbeing and what role leisure participation plays in promoting wellbeing. By understanding wellbeing and its components, we can more readily build those aspects of services that help wellbeing flourish.
Sample Characteristics and Sample Size
Initial study sample was 201 college students with disabilities. Phase 2 of the study includes 350 people with disabilities across several service settings.
Design
An internet-based survey comprised of existing instruments with established validity and reliability provided a quantitative measure of each domain in the model (leisure, psychological/emotional, cognitive, social, physical, spiritual). Surveys were administered by program managers via an email link.
Results
Results showed a significant correlation between all scale scores and wellbeing. Results of the multiple regression indicated that the Flourishing through Leisure Model explained 73.0% of the variance and was a significant predictor of wellbeing.
Scientific Contribution
The Flourishing through Leisure Model provides a framework for recreational therapy services that support wellbeing holistically by intentionally addressing leisure, psychological/emotional, cognitive, social, physical, and spiritual aspects of a person’s life.