Analysis of the Psychosocial Factors that Contribute to Adolescents’ Continued Participation in Leisure Sport

Abstract

Adolescents’ participation in leisure sport can lead to lifelong health. Therefore, it is necessary to study the variables that affect Adolescents' continued participation in leisure sport. This study analyzed the psychosocial variables that may impact adolescents’ continued participation in leisure sport. Data were collected from 187 Korean adolescents participating in leisure sport in 2019. The collected data were analyzed with frequency analysis, reliability analysis, descriptive statistics, correlational analysis, and multiple regression. The following results were obtained: First, all sub-scales of leisure flow had a positive impact on continued leisure participation. Second, the environmental satisfaction, psychological satisfaction, and social satisfaction subscales of leisure satisfaction had a positive impact on continued leisure participation. Third, all subscales of leisure attitude had a positive effect on continued leisure participation. Fourth, the perseverance, personal reward, social reward, and distinct feelings subscales of serious leisure had a positive effect on leisure continuation. As shown here, we identified several variables that encourage adolescents to continuously participate in leisure sport and examined their effects. Based on these results, we emphasized the importance of proper use of leisure time in adolescence and stressed sport activities as a means to use leisure time. Further, we recommend the promotion of environments that motivate adolescents to participate in leisure sport more actively.