Exploring the Meanings of Leisure among Turkish University Students

Abstract

Research about leisure and its meanings from cultural perspectives is receiving more and more attention. The purpose of this study is to explore the meanings of leisure and preferred recreational activities among Turkish students. A sample of 691 university students completed a survey about leisure meanings and preferred recreational activities. As a new concept in Turkey, leisure is found to be associated most with subscales related to work, perceived competence, social interaction, and perceived freedom. Particular activities are also associated with specific meanings subscales. Individuals participating in sports, social activities, and outdoor recreation are more likely to see perceived competence as important. Opportunities for active and passive activities are associated most often with sports, outdoor, cultural arts, and tourism activities. Results suggest that although broad meanings of leisure are important, specific activities may make the meanings more salient in a cultural context.