Historical Assumptions Motivation for Recreation

Theoretically once we have numbers and characteristics of population - we need to understand any other factors that will lead to an activity being selected –sometimes mutual exclusion The motivation for activity - what individuals would really like to gain from the activity - should govern our planning for the activity

Surplus Energy Individuals have a “fixed” amount of energy available to them This is exhausted through work and play If not exhausted - trouble for the individual

Link to observation of children –previous comments about technology extremely inclusive Individuals react differently –other reasons for participation rather than just feeling ‘tired’ or ‘peppy’ –for example, ‘social push’

Recreation as a Cathartic Device Recreation is a needed ‘safety valve’ a means of ‘letting off steam’ Frustration abounds in society - work, family, society Recreation is a ‘safe’ outlet

Recreation provides an opportunity to ‘play’ harder –Hitting a ball, hitting an opponent Release of frustration - in a legal manner Implications – recreation can ‘solve’ emotional problems –planning should allow for relaxation of ‘rules’ within activities and facilities

Additional concerns –Recreational activity can deepen frustration –Act of getting rid of frustration can lead to poorer performance Again an all inclusive rationale for - why we recreate

Preparation for Life ‘Play’ is a means of practicing survival –behaviour is rooted in instinct –recreation mimics life Again link to children - play at the adult world Therefore a preparation for real life

Implies conscious knowledge of what we need to survive Implies an obvious purpose to any activity Impact on planning for activities if this is correct –possibility that individuals may want a break from reality

Recapitulation Theory Similar to previous theory Recreation is ‘re-creation’ –we mimic life –we play at war for example Implies instinctive (or genetic) knowledge of human history

Rest and Relaxation Recreation is - restoration –mental and physical restoration –work is monotonous and stressful Recreation offers recuperation Should we plan for stress free activities? - or a change of routine

Possibilities 1Cathartic device 2Preparation for Life 3R and R Do they fit in a ‘modern’ thought process? Do they have implications for planning?

Alternative Thoughts Perhaps combinations of the previous ideas with less of an absolute approach may provide a better picture With this in mind - two camps appear (not mutually exclusive –Physiological motivations –Psychological motivations

Physiological Needs and Gains Base Level –need for survival - requisites of life As we satisfy this we have other needs –recreation helps the development of the entire organism Stimulus of recreation helps the co- ordination and development of the mind, organs and emotions

Link to the ‘Preparation for life” theory –language skills from word games –motor skills from bicycling –math from board games –co-ordination from ‘hopscotch’ Adults continue this - a need to learn? –Music - mathematical construction –Sailing - wind systems - navigation - radio techniques

Recreation - Contribution to Learned Behaviour Lessons are passed on to other areas of our lives –team behaviour striving together, putting team first, accepting defeat gracefully, learning to lose, playing within the rules

Negative aspects can be reinforced as well –team behaviour disdain for rules, disdain for weaker opponents, individual selfishness, emulation of pro athletes Planner - concern with associated training and development of instructors Push for ‘responsible’ activities - wilderness camping