The relationship between perceived barriers and participation by undergraduate female students

The purpose of this investigation was to study the relationship between perceived barriers and participation or non-participation by undergraduate females in recreational programming at Ball State University. For the purposes of this study, anything that reinforces a decision not to participate in a program or activity was considered a barrier. Participants were selected from various college units on campus. They were also grouped based upon on campus or off campus residency and whether they were participants or non-participants in programs sponsored by the Office of Recreation Programs at Ball State University. Each participant (n=160) completed two written surveys: survey one: the Leisure Diagnostic Battery (LDB) and survey two: the Perceived Barriers Survey. Data were analyzed using multiple t-tests and associations were revealed at the .05 level on each of the three scales of the LDB (Barriers to Leisure Experience Scale, Depth of Leisure Involvement Scale and the Perceived Leisure Competence Scale). Many perceived personality traits influenced whether a female student participated in campus recreational programming. Survey two also presented associations at the .05 level for the following specific perceived barriers: discomfort; lack of motivation; fatigue; feelings about one's body; other people; pain; lack of time available; inconvenient hours; body image; school responsibilities and a lack of knowledge about what programs were available. Each of these barriers represents a call to action for recreation professionals. Several program strategies were suggested to minimize or eliminate these barriers, and to recruit and retain more female students in campus recreational programming.Fisher Institute for WellnessThesis (M.S.