Model Validation and Comparison of Serious Leisure and Leisure Constraints between Golfers and Windsurfers

This cross-activity study aimed to compare and confirm the models for measuring serious leisure and leisure constraints in windsurfers and golfers, and to explore the correlation between these two concepts under different socioeconomic status. Purposive sampling was obtained from 210 windsurfers and 143 golfers, who met the criteria for serious leisure. The Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) results showed that all indicators in the measurement models for serious leisure and leisure constraint established in this study were statistically significant. The reliability and validity of constructs and indicators were confirmed. For both activities, serious leisure had a significant negative correlation with leisure constraints. This study concluded that of the six serious leisure indicators defined by Stebbins personal attributes (perseverance, career, personal effort and long-lasting benefits) had a stronger power than social attributes (subculture and identification) for both windsurfing and golf participants. Because of the different distribution of socioeconomic status between windsurfers and golfers, windsurfers considered equipment cost, personal skill and group companionship, which had similar leisure constraint effects on activity participation. Whereas, golfers considered personal skill as the major constraint factor in golf performance. In terms of serious leisure characteristics, windsurfers treated windsurfing as a personal lifetime pursuit (career), while golfers considered overcoming all obstacles in golfing (perseverance) was most important. Finally, specific recommendations regarding future studies on serious leisure and leisure constraint are necessary.