The Leisure Experience: Selected Properties

Abstract

The difficulties inherent in both a clear, unambiguous conceptualization of leisure and its accurate empirical measurement has prevented the development of an adequate science of leisure. Some scholars and researchers have suggested the systematic examination of the leisure experience as a beginning point for this task. Analysis of 140 self-report essays on the leisure experience revealed eight properties to be characteristic of such events: separation, choice, pleasure, spontaneity, timelessness, fantasy, adventure, and self-realization. Each of these properties is discussed and explored. The uses of such techniques for leisure analysis is examined.