Ruth V. Russell

The importance of recreation satisfaction and activity participation to the life satisfaction of age-segregated retirees.

Research has been contradictory on the importance of recreation activity participation and recreation satisfaction for life satisfaction in retirement. The purpose of this study was to distinguish ...

Recreation and Quality of Life in Old Age: A Causal Analysis

This study examines the interrelationships among recreation and other life circumstance variables and quality of life. LISREL, a causal analysis technique, was used to test a theoretical model based on previous gerontological research. Results indicate that the variables of sex, education, religiosity, marital status, and age are significantly related to income, health, recreation activity participation, and recreation satisfaction. However these variables do not significantly influence quality of life directly. The only significant, direct predictor of quality of life is satisfaction with recreation.

Tourists and refugees: Coinciding Sociocultural Impacts

Abstract The new millennium holds promise of being both the “Century of Tourism” and the “Century of the Refugee.” Never in history have there been so many refugees and tourists crossing international borders. This paper discusses the ironic similarities of both positive and negative impacts of tourism development and refugee relief on developing countries. Parallels in recommendations for both phenomena are also presented. Although not originally intended, the observations made in the paper are drawn from two different fieldwork projects: a study of refugee camp aid with Operation Lifeline Sudan in northern Kenya in 1994 and an investigation of tourism development in Malaysia in 1992.

An empirical basis for determining the multidimensional structure of leisure.

Abstract To explain fully the structural nature of leisure, there is a need to use strategies that are both direct in approach and empirical in nature. This study examined such a strategy; its purpose was to illustrate a technique for analyzing the dimensionality of leisure. Multidimensional scaling (MDS) was used to develop a potential set of traits that are descriptive of leisure activities and multiple regression provided a means for a direct empirical assessment of this set of traits. It was concluded that (a) multidimensional scaling provides a useful tool for direct investigation of the structural nature of leisure, and (b) multiple regression can provide an empirical alternative to visual interpretations of the results.

Assessing the reliability of the measurement component of Neulinger's paradigm.

This study assessed the reliability of the “What Am I Doing” scale, the measurement component of Neulingers paradigm of leisure. The dimensions of importance to this paradigm are perceived freedom, intrinsic motivation, and positive affect. The study examined a sample (n = 43) of high school students ranging in age from 15 to 17. A two-way analysis of variance for repeated measures was used to assess reliability of the scale. Findings indicate that the scale provides a consistent measure of the dimensions of interest. Methodological considerations and implications for inquiries into the subjective nature of leisure are discussed.