Escapism or Integration? Family Constellations Reflecting on the Leisure-Time Physical Activity of Adults, Leisure Sciences
: Leino Henna M., Hurmerinta Leila, Sandberg Birgitta, Kokko Sami, Lyytimäki Jari, Tapio Petri, Vasankari Tommi
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
: 2023
: Leisure Sciences
: 1521-0588
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01490400.2023.2272633
: https://doi.org/10.1080/01490400.2023.2272633
: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/181464747
Insufficient physical activity is an increasing threat to personal well-being and public health. While significant research has focused on the factors that encourage or restrict physical activity, the impact of family constellations on physical activity remains under-researched despite its evident impact on leisure-time physical activity (LTPA). This study aims to analyze how being embedded in a family constellation reflects on LTPA. Our data are drawn from interviews with 89 working adults living in a household with a spouse and/or children. The results indicate that individuals have both escapist and integrative motivations for LTPA, which reflect particular family constellations. This finding leads to the following LTPA dimensions: solitary escapism, co-escapism, integrative escapism, and integration. Furthermore, the mechanism is bidirectional: family affects LTPA, and LTPA reflects on personal and family well-being. Public and private actors can utilize these findings when compiling policies and recommendations and developing services intended to increase LTPA.