Keywords

experience, family leisure, family relations, human development, theory

Abstract

All family leisure is not equal. Yet, little is known about the mechanisms linking different types of family leisure to different human development and family relations outcomes. The Ecology of Family Experiences (EFE) framework provides a sensitizing lens for the study of the conditions under which family leisure is beneficial to individuals and families. Specifically, the framework suggests three domains—Family, Activity, and Time—iteratively interact to generate different levels of individual and family outcomes (i.e., responses, meaning, and development). The EFE necessitates research built on ecologically valid study designs that incorporate innovative measurement approaches. Scholars using such approaches can increase the precision and differentiation of findings leading to more effective research translation that informs family leisure education and intervention. Effective education and intervention can be used to increase protective factors inherent in family leisure to support healthy human development and family relations.

Original Publication Citation

"Ecology of family experiences: Contextualizing family leisure for human development and family relations", Journal of Leisure Research, 2020

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2022

Publisher

Journal of Leisure Research

Language

English

College

Marriott School of Business

Department

Experience Design and Management

University Standing at Time of Publication

Associate Professor

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