Fortifying Leisure

Abstract

This study examined family leisure patterns and meanings of family leisure from the perspective of adolescents living in the Mukono District of Uganda. Sixty-eight secondary students were interviewed. Results indicate Ugandan adolescent definitions of leisure reflect leisure as free time and leisure as a means to an end. Students mentioned three primary family leisure outcomes (enjoyment/fun, personal development, and family development) that point toward a core theme. Fortifying describes the importance Ugandan youth place upon family leisure outcomes that strengthen the individual to overcome inevitable challenges they will face throughout their lives and enable them to succeed, especially through family socializing activities, such as discussion and storytelling.

Teenagers’ Well-Being through Family Leisure Activities

“…Furthermore, this research also found that family involvement in leisure activities was not significantly correlated with the dimensions of personal growth. These results do not align with several studies that explain that family involvement in leisure activities can support individual development (McGovern et al, 2014;Pomfret & Varley, 2019). Personal growth is a condition where a person knows himself and utilizes his potential and abilities (Ryff, 2013).…”

Introduction to the Special Section

“…The final article in the Special Section, on adolescents’ views of family leisure in Uganda, by McGovern and colleagues (2015), provides insights into adolescents’ lives in an African country. It also provides an example of successful collaboration between Western and non-Western researchers.…”