Psychological Aspects of Recreation
Study Course Implementer
Riga, 5 J. Asara Street, vppk@rsu.lv, +37167061587
About Study Course
Objective
Preliminary Knowledge
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.As a result of mastering the study course, the student recognizes and describes the evidence-based psychological aspects of recreation in the context of mental and physical health, formulates and explains the terms of psychological aspects of recreation; systematizes and lists the main principles of recreational activities and its role in the health care environment.
Skills
1.As a result of mastering the study course, the student develops and identifies recreational approaches appropriate for professional activity; evaluates and organizes; prepares and applies recreational approaches appropriate to his or her professional activity.
Competences
1.As a result of mastering the study course, the student analyses and differentiation of study course acquisition opportunities based on evidence and scientifically based recreational psychological processes for improvement of human well-being and quality of life; plans and develops and scientifically substantiates recreational psychological processes for the improvement of human well-being and quality of life; applies and integrates into its professional activities evidence-based and scientifically based recreational psychological processes for the improvement of human well-being and quality of life
Assessment
Individual work
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Title
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% from total grade
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Grade
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|---|---|---|
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1.
Individual work |
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-
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Participation in lectures, seminars and modelling workshops.
Individual Work – 1. prepare a presentation of the latest research on recreational issues in your professional field;
2. prepare a practical presentation on some of the psychological techniques of recreation.
In order to evaluate the quality of the study course as a whole, the student must fill out the study course evaluation questionnaire on the Student Portal.
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Examination
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Title
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% from total grade
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Grade
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|---|---|---|
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1.
Examination |
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10 points
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Accumulated grade and exam. 1) Participation in lectures 20%. 2) Participation in seminar activities and assigned tasks according to certain criteria (presentation of latest research in recreational psychology) 30%. 3) Participation in a practical simulation and modeling workshops and assigned tasks according to certain criteria (practical presentation of some of the psychological techniques of recreation) 30%. 4) Exam 20%. |
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Study Course Theme Plan
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Concept of Recreation, Theories, Historical Development and Psychological Aspects
Description
This topic provides a comprehensive overview of the concept of recreation, its historical development, and major theoretical approaches. It examines different types and functions of recreation, as well as the philosophical and psychological foundations that shape contemporary understanding of recreational behavior. Students explore various recreation models, their applications, and their connection to human well‑being, motivation, and behavior. |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Concept of Recreation, Theories, Historical Development and Psychological Aspects
Description
This topic provides a comprehensive overview of the concept of recreation, its historical development, and major theoretical approaches. It examines different types and functions of recreation, as well as the philosophical and psychological foundations that shape contemporary understanding of recreational behavior. Students explore various recreation models, their applications, and their connection to human well‑being, motivation, and behavior. |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Recreation and Lifestyle: Sleep, Brain Function, and Relaxation Techniques
Description
This topic examines recreation as an essential component of a healthy lifestyle, influencing both physical and psychological well‑being. It explores the role of sleep in restorative processes, the relationship between recreation and brain function, and the importance of relaxation techniques in stress reduction. Students learn about various relaxation methods, their physiological basis, and practical application in everyday life. |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Recreation and Lifestyle: Sleep, Brain Function, and Relaxation Techniques
Description
This topic examines recreation as an essential component of a healthy lifestyle, influencing both physical and psychological well‑being. It explores the role of sleep in restorative processes, the relationship between recreation and brain function, and the importance of relaxation techniques in stress reduction. Students learn about various relaxation methods, their physiological basis, and practical application in everyday life. |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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The Role of Recreation in Mental Health and Mindfulness Approaches
Description
This topic focuses on the importance of recreation in maintaining and enhancing mental health. It examines the connection between recreation and healthy personality development, emotional regulation, and psychological resilience. Special attention is given to mindfulness approaches and research demonstrating their effectiveness in reducing stress and improving attention. Students explore how recreation and mindfulness can be integrated into daily routines and professional practice. |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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The Role of Recreation in Mental Health and Mindfulness Approaches
Description
This topic focuses on the importance of recreation in maintaining and enhancing mental health. It examines the connection between recreation and healthy personality development, emotional regulation, and psychological resilience. Special attention is given to mindfulness approaches and research demonstrating their effectiveness in reducing stress and improving attention. Students explore how recreation and mindfulness can be integrated into daily routines and professional practice. |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Seminar: Independent Research Review Presentation
Description
In this topic, students independently conduct a scientific literature review on a chosen aspect of recreation psychology and present their findings in a seminar format. The topic develops academic skills, critical thinking, and the ability to analyze research, while also encouraging discussion on current trends in recreation psychology. |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
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Seminar: Independent Research Review Presentation
Description
In this topic, students independently conduct a scientific literature review on a chosen aspect of recreation psychology and present their findings in a seminar format. The topic develops academic skills, critical thinking, and the ability to analyze research, while also encouraging discussion on current trends in recreation psychology. |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Auditorium
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2
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Topics
|
Seminar: Independent Research Review Presentation
Description
In this topic, students independently conduct a scientific literature review on a chosen aspect of recreation psychology and present their findings in a seminar format. The topic develops academic skills, critical thinking, and the ability to analyze research, while also encouraging discussion on current trends in recreation psychology. |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Other
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2
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Topics
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Participation in the International Scientific‑Practical Conference “Health and Personality Development: An Interdisciplinary Approach” Or Psychology Day Conference
Description
This topic involves active student participation in an international conference addressing health, personality development, and recreation from an interdisciplinary perspective. Participation provides an opportunity to engage with the latest research, professional insights, and current trends in recreation and health psychology. It supports professional growth, interdisciplinary thinking, and networking. |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
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Other
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2
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Topics
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Participation in the International Scientific‑Practical Conference “Health and Personality Development: An Interdisciplinary Approach” Or Psychology Day Conference
Description
This topic involves active student participation in an international conference addressing health, personality development, and recreation from an interdisciplinary perspective. Participation provides an opportunity to engage with the latest research, professional insights, and current trends in recreation and health psychology. It supports professional growth, interdisciplinary thinking, and networking. |
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Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
|
On site
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Other
|
2
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Topics
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Participation in the International Scientific‑Practical Conference “Health and Personality Development: An Interdisciplinary Approach” Or Psychology Day Conference
Description
This topic involves active student participation in an international conference addressing health, personality development, and recreation from an interdisciplinary perspective. Participation provides an opportunity to engage with the latest research, professional insights, and current trends in recreation and health psychology. It supports professional growth, interdisciplinary thinking, and networking. |
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Lecture
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Nature‑Based Recreation and Its Psychological Benefits
Description
This topic focuses on the role of nature in psychological restoration. It covers the biophilia hypothesis, nature‑based therapeutic approaches, and research on the positive effects of green and blue spaces on stress reduction, attentional recovery, and emotional balance. Special attention is given to micro‑recreation — short, everyday nature contacts that provide significant mental health benefits. The topic helps students understand natural environments as essential resources for both personal and professional well‑being. |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Recreation in the Digital Age: Screen Time, Digital Fatigue, and Psychological Recovery
Description
It examines the causes of digital fatigue, the stress created by constant information flow, and the depletion of attentional resources. The topic introduces principles of digital hygiene and “digital detox” strategies that help restore cognitive balance and emotional stability. Students engage with research on how screen time affects sleep, attention, and emotional regulation, and learn practical methods for developing a healthier relationship with technology. |
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Class/Seminar
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Modality
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Location
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Contact hours
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|---|---|---|
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On site
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Study room
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2
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Topics
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Recreation in a Social Context: Community, Relationships, and Social Well‑Being
Description
This topic examines recreation as a social phenomenon that fosters belonging, mutual support, and community cohesion. It analyzes the role of group activities in strengthening emotional health and the potential of recreation to promote social integration and intercultural understanding. The topic also discusses cultural differences in recreational practices and how social environments influence motivation to engage in restorative activities. Students gain insight into recreation as a key component of social well‑being. |
Bibliography
Required Reading
Barrows, R. E. (2010). Recreation handbook for camp, conference and community, Jefferson, N.C. : McFarland & Co.
Csikszentmihályi, M. (1990). Flow:The Psychology of Optimal Experience. Harper & Row.
Engel, G. L. (1980). The clinical application of the biopsychosocial model. American Journal of Psychiatry. 137 (5): 535–544.
McLean, D. D., & Hurd, R.A. (2015). Kraus’ recreation and leisure in modern society. Burlington, Massachusetts : Jones And Bartlett Learning
Mull, R. F., Brent A. Beggs, B. A., & Renneisen M. ( 2009). Recreation facility management : design, development, operations, and utilization, Champaign, IL : Human Kinetics
Riley K. (2000) Recreational Art Programming. Parks & Recreation, 26-34.
Zuckerman, M. (2007). Sensation Seeking and Risky Behavior. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association
Additional Reading
Carruthers, C., & Hood, C. (2007) Building a Life of Meaning Through Therapeutic Recreation: The Leisure and Weil-Being Model, Part I. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 41(4), 276-297.
Glass, C., Gómez, E., & Urzu, A. (2013) Recreation, intercultural friendship, and international students’ adaptation to college by region of origin. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 42, 104-117.
Hawkins, L. B., Cory, A. L., McGuire, A. F., & Allen, R. L. (2012) Therapeutic Recreation in Education: Considerations for Therapeutic Recreation Practitioners, School Systems, and Policy Makers. Journal of Disability Policy Studies, 23, 131-139.
Kil, N., Holland, S., & Stein, T. (2014) Relationships between environmental attitudes, recreation motivations, and environmentally responsible behaviors. Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism, 7-8, 16-25.
Smith, W. J., & Moore, L. R. (2013) Social-Psychological Factors Influencing Recreation Demand: Evidence From Two Recreational Rivers. Environment and Behavior, 45, 821-850
Stelmack, R. M. (Ed.). (2004). On the psychobiology of personality: Essays in honor of Marvin Zuckerman. San Diego, CA: Elsevier.
Zuckerman, M. (1994). Behavioral Expressions and Biosocial Bases of Sensation Seeking. New York: Cambridge University Press.