EVALUATING POSITIVE EFFECTS OF LEISURE FROM A LIFE-COURSE PERSPECTIVE: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

This article discusses the psychological impact of leisure across a lifetime using a life-course perspective, which assumes that people’s experiences at earlier life stages shape their following developmental trajectories. Since leisure activities are part of one’s lifestyle, adopting this perspective to leisure research is invaluable. By reviewing a variety of research, the article discusses 1) the progress of psychological leisure research and the impact of leisure on subjective well-being and cognitive functioning, 2) transitions in leisure and their relationship from a life-course perspective, and 3) the benefits related to the accumulation of leisure activities across the lifespan. The present review concludes that positive psychological achievement (e.g., self-worth, affirmation, and self-realization) and cognitive foundation (e.g., high levels of basic cognitive skills) shaped through leisure participation in early life stages help overcome challenges in later stages (i.e., successfully adapt to psychological vulnerability and cognitive decline in old age).