Leisure as State of Mind
Unlike the definitions of leisure as time or
activity, the definition of leisure as state of
mind is much more subjective in that it
considers the individual’s perception of an
activity. Concepts such as perceived
freedom, intrinsic motivation, perceived
competence, and positive affect are critical
to determining whether an experience is
leisure or not leisure.
Perceived freedom refers to an individual’s
ability to choose the activity or experience in
that the individual is free from other
obligations as well as has the freedom to act
without control from others. Perceived
freedom also involves the absence of external
constraints to participation.