Perceptions of Leisure by Family Caregivers: A Profile

Therapeutic Recreation Journal, Fourth Quarter 2004 by Bedini, Leandra A, Phoenix, Terri L

For all but one comparison, there was no statistically significant difference among the respondents regarding their definitions of leisure. Some patterns were evident, however. The definition of "unobligated time" was chosen most often by caregivers of children with disabilities (72%). Conversely, defining leisure as "activity that is fun" (4.3%) as well as "freedom from responsibility" (4.3%) were notably low among caregivers of children with disabilities. No significant differences existed among leisure definitions and the relationship of the caregiver to her care-recipient.

The leisure definition, "unobligated time," was also selected by 52% of the caregivers who were caring for spouse or partner and by 63% of adult children caring for a parent or parent-in-law. In addition, whether caregiving caused financial hardship was statistically significant when viewed in terms of definitions of leisure. (χ^sup 2^(3, N = 443) = 9.95, p = .02). In particular, those who defined leisure as "freedom from responsibility" (60%) answered "yes," and those who defined leisure as "activity that is fun" (65%) answered "no."

Self-definitions of entitlement to leisure. The respondents were asked to describe themselves in terms of how entitled they felt to leisure based on the four entitlement categories identified by Bedini and Guinan (1996). Results showed that over half (54%) identified themselves as Resenters who had to "give up a lot of my leisure because of caregiving responsibilities" and "this situation makes me sad and sometimes resentful." Just over one fourth of the respondents (27%) defined themselves as Rechargers by selecting, "I make sure I have my recreation/leisure because it is essential to help me maintain the energy and attitude I need to care for my care-recipient." Twelve percent of respondents identified themselves as Consolidators saying they "still pursue my leisure/recreation but I can do it only if I involve my care-recipient in the activities." Approximately 3% were Repressers who had "little to no interest in recreation/leisure." Additionally, 4% of the respondents created their own definition. For example, several respondents did not like the term "resentful" in the second definition and suggested omitting it. Others talked about guilt along with their chosen definition. Still others wrote long notes explaining under what circumstances they might choose one definition versus another.

It is interesting to note that there was a significant difference among entitlement types in relation to the question of whether caregiving caused the respondents financial hardship (χ^sup 2^O, N = 429) = 18.50, p = .00). The majority of Repressors (77%) and Resenters (57%) answered "yes," however, the majority of Rechargers (65%) answered "no."

Relationship between definitions of leisure and perceptions of entitlement to leisure. The most popular definition of leisure, "unobligated time," was chosen by over half of the Resenters (63%), and Consolidates (58%), respectively. For the category of Represser, the definitions of leisure, "activity that's fun," and "freedom from responsibility" were each chosen 37% of the time.