Leisure Time Activities Questionnaire [LTAQ-15]

Instrument Description

The Leisure Time Activities Questionnaire (LTAQ-15) is a psychometric assessment tool designed to evaluate how individuals utilize their leisure time and how leisure activities are associated with psychological well-being, mood, and stress reduction.

Unlike instruments that only record the type or frequency of leisure activities, the LTAQ-15 adopts a broader approach by examining not only participation in activities but also the subjective experience and psychological benefits derived from them.

The questionnaire assesses:

• frequency of participation in leisure activities;
• satisfaction derived from activities;
• perceived reduction of tension or stress resulting from participation.

Through this multidimensional assessment, the LTAQ-15 provides a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between leisure engagement, relaxation, emotional well-being, and quality of life.

The original instrument was developed by H. A. Fitts and M. C. Howe, while the Greek adaptation is attributed to I. Tzonichaki and G. Kleftaras.

Theoretical Background

The theoretical framework of the LTAQ-15 is based on the assumption that leisure activities represent important factors contributing to:

• psychological recovery;
• emotional regulation;
• enjoyment;
• social participation;
• improvement of quality of life.

The value of a leisure activity is not determined only by how frequently it occurs. An activity may be performed infrequently but provide substantial satisfaction, while another may occur regularly without producing meaningful relaxation or enjoyment.

Therefore, the LTAQ-15 examines different dimensions of leisure experience, allowing researchers to explore how participation, satisfaction, and stress reduction interact.

Objective

The primary objective of the LTAQ-15 is to assess patterns of leisure-time participation and evaluate the relationship between leisure activities and psychological well-being.

Specifically, the instrument aims to:

Assessment of Leisure Participation

Evaluate the types and frequency of activities individuals engage in during their free time.

Evaluation of Subjective Benefits

Examine the extent to which leisure activities provide:

• satisfaction;
• relaxation;
• emotional relief;
• reduction of psychological tension.

Investigation of Psychological Relationships

Explore associations between leisure activities and variables such as:

• mood;
• depressive symptoms;
• quality of life;
• functional ability;
• social participation.

Research Applications

Provide information useful for studies in aging, occupational therapy, mental health, and psychosocial functioning.

Structure and Characteristics

The LTAQ-15 consists of 15 leisure activity items representing different forms of leisure participation.

The activities are organized into categories reflecting different aspects of leisure engagement, including:

• relaxation activities;
• physical activities;
• social activities;
• recreational activities.

The original version of the instrument was developed in the United States to investigate leisure-time use among individuals with cardiac conditions.

The Greek adaptation was conducted in a sample of 107 older adults, aged 65–85 years, with a mean age of approximately 72 years. The sample included:

• 62 men;
• 45 women;

recruited from senior community centers and friendship clubs in the broader Athens region.

The adaptation process included:

• translation from English into Greek;
• back-translation;
• linguistic adaptation by bilingual psychologists.

Administration and Scoring

The LTAQ-15 evaluates each activity through multiple dimensions.

Participants report:

Frequency of Participation

The frequency with which each activity was performed during the previous seven days.

Satisfaction

The level of satisfaction obtained from each activity, rated on a five-point scale:

0 – Not at all
1 – Slightly
2 – Moderately
3 – Very much
4 – Extremely much

Reduction of Tension

The extent to which participation in each activity contributes to relaxation and reduction of psychological tension.

Different indicators may be calculated, including:

• mean frequency of participation;
• mean satisfaction score;
• mean stress-reduction score;
• positive reinforcement index combining frequency and perceived benefit.

Scores may be calculated for individual activity categories as well as for overall leisure participation.

Data Analysis

Analysis of LTAQ-15 data may include:

Descriptive Statistics

Calculation of:

• means;
• standard deviations;
• frequencies;
• activity participation patterns.

These analyses provide an overview of leisure engagement within a population.

Correlation Analysis

Associations may be examined between leisure activity indicators and:

• depressive symptoms;
• life satisfaction;
• functional status;
• quality of life;
• social participation.

Depending on data distribution, Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficients may be used.

Comparative Analysis

Differences between groups may be examined using:

• Student’s t-test;
• analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Examples include comparisons according to:

• age groups;
• gender;
• functional ability;
• health status.

Advanced Statistical Modeling

For more complex research designs, regression models may be used to examine predictors of leisure participation and psychological well-being.

Psychometric Properties

The Greek adaptation of the LTAQ-15 included factor analysis using orthogonal Varimax rotation, which identified factors corresponding to the main dimensions of the instrument.

Modern psychometric evaluation may include:

Reliability Assessment

Internal consistency may be examined using:

• Cronbach’s alpha (α);
• McDonald’s omega (ω) where appropriate.

Structural Validity

The factor structure may be further examined through:

• Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA);
• Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA).

These approaches are particularly relevant when applying the instrument to different age groups or cultural populations.

Applications

The LTAQ-15 can be applied in:

Quality of Life Research

For examining how leisure participation contributes to life satisfaction and psychological well-being.

Mental Health Research

For studying relationships between leisure activities and:

• depressive symptoms;
• emotional functioning;
• stress management.

Aging Research

For investigating leisure engagement among older adults and its relationship with:

• functional independence;
• social participation;
• healthy aging.

Occupational Therapy

For evaluating meaningful activities and supporting interventions aimed at improving daily functioning and participation.

The LTAQ-15 is not a diagnostic instrument. It evaluates patterns of leisure participation and the subjective psychological effects of activities, and interpretation should consider the individual’s age, functional capacity, health status, and broader psychosocial context.

References

Fitts, H. A., & Howe, M. C. (1987). Use of leisure time by cardiac patients. The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 41, 583–589.

Tzonichaki, I., Kleftaras, G., & Malikiosi-Loizos, M. (2004a, September). Level of functioning, leisure time activities and symptoms of depression in the elderly. Paper presented at the 7th European Congress of Occupational Therapy, Athens.

Tzonichaki, I., Kleftaras, G., & Malikiosi-Loizos, M. (2004b, December). Quality of life as determined by life satisfaction, level of functioning and free time activities and its relationship to later life depressive symptomatology. Paper presented at the 1st International Conference of the Psychological Society of Northern Greece: Quality of Life and Psychology, Thessaloniki.