The Development of the Leisure Meanings Inventory

Abstract

Researchers face several challenges when designing psychometric scales for measuring leisure meaning. These include the need for a construct definition and operational indicators that conceptualizes the nature of the leisure meaning and specifies the content of different meanings. This study describes the development of the Leisure Meanings Inventory as a multi-dimensional scale for measuring four qualitatively different ways of experiencing the meaning of leisure: Passing Time, Exercising Choice, Escaping Pressure, and Achieving Fulfillment. Testing the scale with 475 Australian residents confirmed a four-factor structure and the multi-dimensional nature of experiences, and indicated a moderate level of internal consistency. Discussion of the results considers the strengths, limitations, and potential theoretical and practical applications of the instrument.