A pre-trial in a home for the elderly of questionnaires about perceived control over recreation

Abstract

The perception of having control that is sustainable and congruent with one's desires has been linked with happiness and healthiness. This perception is also necessary for recreation experience. A pilot study on an adapted Perceived Freedom in Leisure Short Form and an adapted Desired Control Measure Short Form was conducted as a preliminary evaluation of the information one could expect to gain from their use. These questionnaires were trialled with six volunteers. Results from the questionnaires were compared with evaluations of residents made by the matron of the home and the researcher. A full description of the home according to the conceptualisation of Ainsworth and Fulcher (1981) was also made. Results from the trial suggest that these measures do work and are worth further investigation - although a description of the residents' environment was found to usefully complement information from the questionnaires.