Examining the impact and influence of the leisure science literature

ABSTRACT

This study explored the impact and influence of the leisure sciences literature through an analysis of highly cited articles. Discriminant function analysis identified whether articles had more exclusive impact inside or outside the field. Research themes and methodologies were examined based on these classifications. Results indicate articles with the greatest impact within the leisure literature tended to be quantitative studies drawing upon survey data and non-experimental designs focused on general leisure and outdoor/forest recreation. Articles with the greatest impact outside the leisure literature were more recent and focused on place attachment, psychological motivation, or community parks and recreation and used quasi-experimental design or measurement development approaches. Based on this study’s findings, to increase the interdisciplinary relevance of the leisure science literature more theoretically framed studies employing quasi-experimental or measurement development approaches focusing on specific topics (e.g. place attachment) and populations (e.g. minorities, youth) are needed.

KEYWORDS:

• Citation analysis
• leisure science literature
• interdisciplinary relevance
• content analysis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Mat Duerden is an assistant professor in the Department of Experience Design and Management at Brigham Young University. His research focuses on experience design and leisure at work. Mat’s publications have appeared in a variety of journals including Leisure Sciences, Journal of Environmental Psychology, Journal of Adolescent Research and Journal of Leisure Research.

Michael B. Edwards is an associate professor in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management at North Carolina State University. Dr. Edwards’ research is guided by an idea that developing and managing socially responsible sport and recreational facilities, programmes, services, and events will encourage more active lifestyles, reduce health disparities, and provide the tools for sustainable community development.

Michael C. Goates is an assistant librarian in the Harold B. Lee Library at Brigham Young University. He is the subject librarian for the Department of Experience Design and Management as well as for the biological and health sciences. Michael actively collaborates on a variety of research projects, including the social and environmental factors that influence health, family leisure, and active learning pedagogies in higher education.

Justin Dyer was an undergraduate research assistant at Brigham Young University at the time he assisted with the data analysis process.

Notes

1 Article focused on general leisure rather than a specific type or setting for leisure.