Graduate Research Papers

Availability

Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate if college students' participation in leisure and recreation programs enhances satisfaction with their university community life, and result in building a sense of community. The points considered included 1) association of leisure and recreation with a sense of community; 2) the impact of leisure and recreation participation regarding a sense of belonging to the university community; 3) a role of leisure and recreation professionals to promote the potentials of recreation programs; 4) appropriate programs which were needed by the participants.

The study was conducted at the University of Northern Iowa in the state of Iowa. The target population was college students. Data were collected through a questionnaire distributed at the classes offered by Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services at the end of March 2000. The questionnaire was concerned with college students' participation habit, motivation, preference for recreation activities, perception, and feeling on campus.

The findings of this study included the following.

1. The majority of college students in this study (97%) were engaged in the recreation activities. More than half of them (63%) reported that they participated in on-campus recreation activities.

2. The most important reason why they participate in recreation activities was for fun (91 % ), followed by physical fitness (88% ), and to be with friends (74% ). The significant reasons for participation included socializing with others, relaxation, and fitness.

3. The students in this study showed their preference in recreation activities for physically active, challenging, and aggressive. Although in most cases, there was no difference by gender, male students had stronger preference for intensive and competitive attributes than female students did.

4. The college students in this study had an optimistic view of their campus life. They indicated that college life was full (88%) and friendly (89% ). Negative attitudes toward their life were rarely found in this study.

5. The college students in this study showed their positive feelings on campus. They felt comfortable (81 % ) and capable (84% ). However, they also reported they were stressed (39% ). Although gender difference did not appear in most cases, female students reported that their stress more often than male students.

Year of Submission

2000

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services

First Advisor

Susan Hudson

Comments

If you are the rightful copyright holder of this graduate research paper and wish to have it removed from the Open Access Collection, please submit an email request to scholarworks@uni.edu. Include your name and clearly identify the thesis by full title and author as shown on the work.

Date Original

2000

Object Description

1 PDF file (57 pages)

Language

en

Download

Comments?

Share

COinS