Leisure-Time Activity Participation during Preadolescence and the Related Wellness Outcomes

Abstract

This study examined the association between the free-time activities in which adolescents participate and their self-reported wellness. Free-time activities provide contexts for adolescents to experiment and develop their identity and interests (Coatsworth et al., 2006). The activity patterns established during the years of adolescence are often indicative of patterns that will continue into adulthood (Myers & Sweeney, 2005). While numerous studies have examined the relationship between free-time activities and physical health, relatively few studies have investigated the associations between the types of free-time activities and overall wellness. This study relied on The Perceived Wellness Survey as a guiding framework. Questionnaires were administered to preadolescents between the ages of 8-13 who were attending one of five summer camps located in Pitt County, North Carolina. Activities were examined in terms of High Yield and Low Yield activities where High Yield included those that required active engagement and Low Yield were more passive activities. The Perceived Wellness Survey was administered. This yields scores for overall wellness as well as for six subscales which included psychological, emotional, social, physical, spiritual, and intellectual dimensions. This study found no relationship between High Yield or Low Yield activities and overall wellness. However, for this sample, High Yield activities were associated with Social Wellness. Due to a number of methodological limitations that were encountered, further research is recommended to better understand the relationship between various types of activities and outcomes of wellness.