Local community participation in recreation and mental health experiences: A case study of the Eastern Cape Province – South Africa

Abstract

Research on the relationship between recreation and mental health has largely focused on individual recreation participation, despite the fact that a community approach to mental health has been widely advised. This study fills this research gap by exploring the relationship between recreation practice and mental health experiences within local communities in the Eastern Cape. Following quantitative data analysis, Mean values and analysis of variance were examined in order to compare mental health experiences, income levels and employment status among communities. The results reveal high mental health experiences but no statistically significant differences based on income or employment status were found. The study implications are discussed.