Leisure negotiation strategies scale: a study of validity and reliability for university students

The aim of this study was to develop a Turkish version of the “Leisure Negotiation Strategies Scale” for university students and to examine its validity and reliability. The Leisure Negotiation Strategies Scale contains 31 items, which are expressed on a 5-point Likert scale. The scale was tested in two separate samples comprising a total of 810 Turkish students. The first group (n=400) was used to test data using exploratory factor analysis, and the second group (n=410) was used to test data using confirmatory factor analysis. Explanatory factor analysis produced a 6-factor solution with the sub-dimensions time-management strategies, skill-acquisition strategies, interpersonal relations, intra-personal validation strategies, physical fitness strategies and financial management. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed this 6-factor solution (first order confirmatory factor analysis, GFI=0.85, AGFI=0.82, NFI=0.87, TLI=0.90, CFI=0.91, RMSEA=0.072, SRMR=0.074; second order confirmatory factor analysis, GFI=0.85, AGFI=0.82, NFI=0.87, TLI=0.90, CFI=0.91, RMSEA=0.072 and SRMR=0.074). Cronbach’s alpha coefficient values ranged from 0.70 to 0.77 in the 6 sub-dimensions. Finally, evidence of test-retest reliability of scale scores was supported, based on responses from 100 students. These results demonstrate that this Turkish version of the scale is a valid and reliable instrument for university students.Key words: Leisure constraints; Coping; Scale; Factor analysis; Turkish students

Leisure constraints and leisure satisfaction in the recreational activities of employees with disabilities

This study analysed leisure constraints and leisure satisfaction in the recreational activities of employees with disabilities. The sample (N=123) consisted of 91 men and 32 women with disabilities working in public institutions in Antalya, Turkey. Leisure constraints were measured using the Leisure Constraints Questionnaire developed by Alexandris and Carroll, and leisure satisfaction was measured using the Leisure Satisfaction Scale developed by Beard and Ragheb. The leisure constraints and leisure satisfaction of the respondents were compared according to gender, age and frequency of leisure participation, using the Mann-Whitney U-test. The results indicated no significant differences in mean scores for leisure constraints for either gender or age, although scores on the subscale for ‘individual/ psychological factors’ revealed significant differences in the frequency of leisure participation. The Leisure Satisfaction Scale revealed significant gender differences on the social subscale, as well as age-related differences on the psychological subscale. The mean scores for individual/psychological constraints were higher for respondents who participated in leisure activities one day a week than for those who participated more days per week. To increase the participation in leisure activities and to enhance the satisfaction derived from participation, the planning and arrangement of recreational services should be designed specifically for employees with disabilities.Key words: Leisure; Recreation; Constraints; Satisfaction; Employees with disabilities