Leisure constraints and leisure satisfaction in the recreational activities of employees with disabilities

Abstract

This study analysed leisure constraints and leisure satisfaction in the recreational activities of employees with disabilities. The sample (N=123) consisted of 91 men and 32 women with disabilities working in public institutions in Antalya, Turkey. Leisure constraints were measured using the Leisure Constraints Questionnaire developed by Alexandris and Carroll, and leisure satisfaction was measured using the Leisure Satisfaction Scale developed by Beard and Ragheb. The leisure constraints and leisure satisfaction of the respondents were compared according to gender, age and frequency of leisure participation, using the Mann-Whitney U-test. The results indicated no significant differences in mean scores for leisure constraints for either gender or age, although scores on the subscale for ‘individual/ psychological factors’ revealed significant differences in the frequency of leisure participation. The Leisure Satisfaction Scale revealed significant gender differences on the social subscale, as well as age-related differences on the psychological subscale. The mean scores for individual/psychological constraints were higher for respondents who participated in leisure activities one day a week than for those who participated more days per week. To increase the participation in leisure activities and to enhance the satisfaction derived from participation, the planning and arrangement of recreational services should be designed specifically for employees with disabilities.

Key words: Leisure; Recreation; Constraints; Satisfaction; Employees with disabilities.