Leisure Activity Analysis

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It is safe to say almost every person will be affected by Depression during their lifetime one way or another, either having to go through this demoralizing disorder themselves or witnessing family and friends struggle to cope with it. Every human being is prone to depression, leaving individuals and those close to them in states of sorrow and helplessness. Depression not only affects the mind but targets the whole body, draining individuals of their energy and immobilizing them from doing normal day to day activities, especially those which are known to be essential for overall wellbeing such as Leisure activities (Pressman et al., 2009). Leisure participation encompasses a very broad spectrum of activities and past times unique for …show more content…

Techniques for living a healthy life have been taught to most of us since a very young age, particularly to always be active and play, ensuring good physical health. But most may overlook the enormous benefits involved in participation of various leisure activities when it comes to cognitive and mental wellbeing (Greer & Trivedi, 2009). Active participation in leisure activities has been shown to greatly minimize the risks of developing a whole multitude of mental disorders including depression from adolescents to the elderly (McPhie & Rawana, 2015). In one longitudinal study undertaken by researchers at the University of South Denmark over a period of 26 years and involving over 18,000 participants they set out to examine how leisure time physical activity plays a role on the risk of developing depression (Mikkelsen et al., 2010). Data collection for leisure time physical activity was done via a questionnaire while determination of depression was done by examining the Danish Psychiatric registry for any participants being admitted with a depression diagnoses in three separate time intervals over the 26 year period. Following analysis of this data, researchers were able to establish precise relationships for both men and women in regards to their level of leisure time physical activity and risk of developing depression. Women who had low levels of leisure time physical activity were on average 1.80 times more at risk for developing depression than those who engaged in high levels of leisure time physical activity (Mikkelsen et al., 2010). Similarly in males, those who had low participation were at a 1.39 times greater risk for depression than those with high LTPA levels.

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