Relationship between Sedentary and Active Leisure Participation among Midwestern College Students

Abstract

This study used the Catharsis Theory and the Stimulation Theory to examine the relationship between sedentary leisure participation (watching television (TV), videos or DVDs and computer or video game playing) and active leisure participation (strength sport, recreational sport and team sport) within a sample of 1134 Midwestern college students in the United States. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were upheld for both theories. Findings showed that (1) college students who spent less than three hours per day watching TV, videos or DVDs on weekdays were more likely to engage in strength and recreational sports than those spending four or more hours per day; and (2) college students who did not play computer/video games on weekdays were less likely to participate in team sport than those who spent at least one hour per day. The variables, gender and ethnicity, were found to be significant predictors across different active leisure activities. Based on the research findings, promotion of active leisure participation requires tailored approaches that are dependent on the target segment of the college student populations.