On the Meaning of Leisure: An Investigation of Some Determinants of the Subjective Experience

Abstract

This study investigates six determinants of the subjective leisure experience and attempts to validate them within the framework of existing leisure theory. Mixed results suggest that three of these—intrinsic satisfaction, perceived freedom, and involvement—are invariant across situational contexts, while the remaining ones—arousal, mastery, and spontaneity—are more activity-specific. Interactions between personal variables and the situation are shown to affect the leisure dimensions perceived.