Demographic differences in the perception of constraints on recreational sport participation: results from a study in Greece

Abstract

Abstract Are any sub-groups of the Greek population particularly influenced by the experience of leisure constraints? The present study aimed to investigate demographic differences (age, gender, education and marital status) in the perception of constraints on recreational sport participation, in relation to demographic differences in annual sport-participation rates. The data were collected by means of a self-administered household questionnaire survey conducted in an urban area in Greece. The results indicated that: (a) females were significantly more constrained than males, especially by intrapersonal constraints; (b) the perception of constraints significantly increased among less-educated individuals; (c) there was an inverted U-relationship between perception of constraints and age; (d) married individuals were significantly more constrained than single persons on time-related constraints. The implications of these results are discussed in terms of the 'negotiation' and 'balance' propositions. The study provides evidence that there are similarities in the perception of constraints in studies conducted in different countries and cultures despite the differences in provision of sport and recreation.