HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY | RESEARCH ARTICLE Pattern of leisure-lifestyles among Indian school adolescents: Contextual influences and implications for emerging health concerns

TLDR: In this paper, the authors examined the pattern of leisure practices in a sample of school-going adolescents from rural, urban, and metro regions of North India (n = 1,500).

Abstract: 2 Abstract: In view of a rampant increase in availability of and access to many health-compromising leisure choices and opportunities in India during the last few decades, this study examines the pattern of leisure practices in a sample of school- going adolescents from rural, urban, and metro regions of North India (n = 1,500). Data were collected through an anonymous leisure survey from consenting stu- dents. Results show a greater prevalence of the use of electronic media and tele- communication gadgets, reflecting a larger engagement in sedentary activities than in cultural, community, and physically demanding leisure activities. In particular, the students from metro and urban areas reported greater involvement in multiple sed- entary activities, while rural adolescents reported greater engagement with watch- ing television, listening to fast music and religious leisure. The results implicate an urgent need for revisiting adolescent health policy and promoting positive leisure education in schools.