Graduate Research Papers
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Open Access Graduate Research Paper
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the main characteristics of leisure participation among a selected group of urban Chinese adolescents. Differences in leisure participation were also described and determined according to gender and age.
This study was a descriptive research design. A survey was conducted to collect data. Two hundred fifty (127 females and 123 males) Chinese adolescents from 7th to 8th grade classes at Shadong Middle School in Guangzhou, China were selected to participate in the study. The instrument for data collection was a 57-item self-report questionnaire. Percentages and frequencies were calculated for all responses to each item on the questionnaire. The data analyses were also conducted to determine statistically significant differences between the reasons of leisure participation, and leisure constraints, and gender using the chi- square test.
The study found that urban Chinese adolescents liked watching television and reading for general leisure. Watching sport games, using personal computer and watching video compact discs were also popular leisure activities for the students. Fewer students participated in watching videocassette recordings, playing video games, practicing arts and crafts, and feeding In the art and drama category, the students liked to listen to music and painting or sculpture. In contrast, fewer students attended concerts and plays as well as participated in dancing. In addition, the findings showed that the female students enjoyed more art and drama activities than the males.
In the area of sports, jogging and swimming are the activities that are acceptable by both male and female students. More male students than the females participated in jogging, playing ping-pong, soccer, basketball, volleyball, bowling, golf, martial art, and weightlifting. More female students liked swimming, playing badminton, tennis, practicing gymnastics and aerobics.
In outdoor activities, the urban Chinese students preferred bicycling, going on outings and road skating. More male students than the females participated in camping, fishing, hiking/backpacking, hunting, and horseback riding. More female students participated in bicycling, going on outings, road skating, and canoeing than males.
The younger students preferred to participate in general leisure activities and arts and drama to the older students. The older students liked to take part in sports and outdoor activities more than younger students. The differences in leisure participation among different age groups may be due to the differences in independence, life experiences, and family's influence.
Reducing stress, improving fitness, physical rest, and feeling good were the most important reasons for urban Chinese adolescents to participate in leisure activities. Next to these reasons listed above were to improve confidence and independence. Fewer students perceived self-achievement, seeking stimulation, and adventure in leisure. Too much homework, not safe, lack of time, lack of fees, and no friends to accompany them were regarded as the most important constraints to participating in leisure for urban Chinese adolescents.
The patterns of leisure participation for urban Chinese adolescents in this study should be reviewed by the Chinese leisure professionals and government officials working at youth or in leisure departments when they develop leisure programs for urban Chinese youth. Moreover, the professionals and officials need to be aware of leisure constraints that students face. The professionals and officials should try to decrease these constraints and provide the Chinese youth with more opportunities for leisure.
Year of Submission
2000
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services
First Advisor
Susan Hudson
Date Original
2000
Object Description
1 PDF file (71 pages)
Copyright
©2000 Jianyu Wang
Language
en
Recommended Citation
Wang, Jianyu, "Leisure Participation of Urban Chinese Adolescents" (2000). Graduate Research Papers. 4314.
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/grp/4314
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