| A Systematic Analysis of Factors Influencing the Development of Recreational Sports |
| Paper ID : 1638-SPORTCONGRESS |
| Authors |
|
Abolfazl Goodarzi * Faculty of Sports Management Department, Payam Noor University. Tehran. Iran |
| Abstract |
| Recreational-sports activities are vital for a healthy lifestyle, significantly benefiting physical and mental health while strengthening social bonds and quality of life (1). However, despite known benefits, public participation remains suboptimal (2). This paradox underscores the need to investigate intervening factors, as prior studies often lack a systemic view of how these elements interact. This qualitative study employed inductive thematic analysis to address this gap. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews with 17 sports recreation experts and six focus groups with adolescent and youth stakeholders. The research was framed by an integrated conceptual model combining Leisure Constraints Theory, the Sport Participation Development Model, and the Theory of Planned Behavior, enabling a multi-faceted analysis from psychological, sociological, and managerial perspectives. A rigorous analysis of 277 unique initial codes identified 55 sub-themes, consolidated into 10 main categories. The results were structured around two overarching themes: environmental factors and individual factors. Each theme encompassed motivators, facilitators, and constraints. Six specialized categories summarized the environmental factors, while four conceptually aligned categories captured the individual factors. A thematic network map was created to visualize the interconnections. The study concludes that sports recreation is a multidimensional phenomenon requiring systemic analysis, which this research provides. The findings offer a holistic model that can advance sports participation theory and effectively inform practical intervention programs at both micro (e.g., community centers) and macro (e.g., public health policy) levels, aiming to bridge the gap between the known benefits of recreational sports and public engagement. |
| Keywords |
| Sports Recreation, Systematic Analysis, Intervening Factors, Participation, Thematic Analysis. |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Oral Presentation) |
