Socio-CulturalFactors Affecting Leisure Functions among Adolescents and Young People

Socio-cultural factors, due to their role and impact on leisure functions, can lead to growth and prosperity with proper planning. The aim of this study was to determine the socio-cultural factors affecting leisure functions among adolescents and young people.

This descriptive-analytical study with a structural equation modeling method used fuzzy Delphi method to determine and identify the research variables. Participants included 300 adolescents and young people aged 13 to 21 studying in 2019-2020, who were selected via convenience sampling method. To collect the data, questionnaires of social competence, communication skills, responsibility, physical health, need for recreation, happiness and volunteer work, Internet and media, educational system, and peace were used. Data analysis, equation modeling method and structural analysis conducted via SmartPLS software.

The mean (SD) score of socio-cultural factors was3.4 (0.4), which improved leisure functions with mean (SD) 2.7 (0.4), P<0.01. Variables of socio-cultural factors including social competence with mean (SD) 4.6 (0.9), communication skills 3.4 (0.5), responsibility 2.8 (0.4), Internet and media 3.0 (1.0)and education system 3.0 (0.7) and leisure functions including relaxation with mean (SD) 1.0 (0.4), voluntary work 3.3 (0.8), health 4.5 (1.0), happiness 1.0 (0.4) and entertainment 3.4 (0.6), with indicators, had a significant relationship in the pattern, P<0.01. Based on the index GOF = 0.432, the overall fit level of the model was excellent and acceptable.

The study showed that social and cultural factors, including social competence, communication skills, responsibility, the Internet and media, and the educational system improved leisure functions.