Leisure

This study explored the importance of leisure in the marital relationship. Four main research questions that were the focus of the study are: 1) How do people define leisure activities in the context of their marriage? 2) What are the similarities and differences in how husbands and wives view leisure? 3) How do couples articulate the impact of leisure on marital satisfaction? 4) What are the clinical implications of the results? Participants were asked to take pictures of themselves participating in leisure activities for two weeks. A total of six couples participated in the study. The research design and methods were based on grounded theory. The data gathered from the interviews of the participants in this study provided a glimpse into their leisure experiences and how they identify and utilize leisure in their lives. The main theme from the interviews was the concept of togetherness. Couples defined leisure as doing something together. Couples also focused on leisure increasing their marital satisfaction within their relationship.

Autorentext

Lindsey Reichert-Gully, PsyD: Clinical Psychology at the Forest Institute of Professional Psychology. Psychological Resident at Family Institute of the Ozarks, Missouri. Hugh Gibson, Ed.D: Assistant Professor at Missouri State University specializing in Family Leisure and Outdoor Recreation.