Psychophysiological Indicators of Leisure Consequences

Abstract

Psychophysiological approaches to studying leisure use physiological measures to assess stress, attention, emotions, and other responses. These methods are discussed from the standpoint of their capabilities, advantages, and limitations for leisure research. Emphasis is given to the use of psychophysiological approaches for investigating stress reducing consequences of leisure experiences in natural environments. Although findings are limited, results suggest that recuperation from stress occurs faster and more completely during passive exposures to natural rather than urban environments. Psychophysiological methods can identify consequences of leisure that may be outside the conscious awareness of participants and hence may not be identified by verbal methods.

KEYWORDS:

• physiological measures
• psychophysiology
• stress
• natural environments