A qualitative investigation of leisure benefits for social and psychological health among international volleyball players living in South Korea.

PURPOSE: The proportion of foreign players in global sports industries has steadily increased in the last decade. This qualitative study aims to capture the benefits of leisure activities for the social and psychological health of international volleyball players affiliated with South Korean volleyball leagues. METHOD: A purposeful criterion sampling strategy was employed in this qualitative study. Findings: Based on semi-structured interviews with 12 participants, in this study three major themes pertaining to leisure benefits are identified: (a) new leisure opportunities and coping, (b) inter-intra group friendships, and (c) acculturation. CONCLUSIONS: These benefits can contribute to social and psychological health for the participants. Practical implications of this study and suggestions for health professionals, sports psychologists, and team counsellors are discussed.

Identifying leisure constraints associated with acculturation among older Korean immigrants.

Purpose: Little research exists on understanding the interference factors that affect leisure engagement among older East Asian immigrants. Using the leisure constraint theory, this study was designed to identify leisure constraints associated with acculturation among older Korean immigrants. Method: using semi-structured, in-depth interviews, a total of 18 individuals participated in this study. Results: Three major themes were identified as leisure constraints related to acculturation: (a) adaptation challenges, (b) cultural norms, and (c) a lack of leisure opportunities. These identified themes served as inhibitors of the participants' leisure involvement. Conclusion: The findings suggested that acculturation-related experiences contributed to leisure constraints. Practical suggestions and implications are discussed in this study.