Human Sciences & Design

In the context of family leisure, individuals are more likely to achieve happiness when recreating with their families in predictable activities and in familiar environments. This hypothesis was tested by comparing three models predicting individual happiness. The three models were grounded in distinct frameworks of family leisure incongruity: (a) the null modelall family leisure is equal; (b) activity incongruity modelfamiliar versus unfamiliar family activities; and (c) location incongruity modelindoor-home, outdoor-home, community, and beyond the community. Analyses used a sample of 1502 individuals in 751 families from the U.K. Models were assessed using multi-level modelling. Overall, results indicated that in the pursuit of happiness all family leisure is not equal. The best predictors of happiness in the context of family leisure were quality family leisure time spent in familiar activities inside the home. Implications for today's families and future research are discussed.

This article provides a theoretical model that positions family leisure experiences as a mechanism for positive family outcomes and resilience in military families. The article integrates the Creation of Family Experiences (CFE) framework with literature on military families, family leisure, and structured experiences. The CFE framework is a conceptual model that provides a lens for examining the context of family activities in order to better identify benefits for human development and family relations. When contextualized within military settings, the CFE can be used to understand and systematically optimize military family leisure experiences. It is critical to consider the experiences of military families (e.g., relocation, deployment, reunion) and how those experiences interact with family leisure experiences to produce resilient families. Future research and practice should consider this application of the CFE framework when seeking to explain, support, and program recreation‐...

Objective: To evaluate the release of oxytocin as a biomarker of romantic‐partner attachment during couple recreation.Background: To date, no studies have examined the impact of distinct types of recreation activities on the release of oxytocin. The Ecology for Family Experience framework, which highlights the divergent experience of family members, guided the experimental design.Method: A total of 20 cohabitating or married couples were randomly assigned to one of the following two experimental groups: board games or art class. Urinary oxytocin was measured before and after the recreational activity. Analysis of covariance was used to determine group differences in oxytocin levels.Results All groups released oxytocin during couple activities. Men in the art class demonstrated oxytocin response twice the level than other groups. Couples in the art class reported more partner touching than couples playing board games. A significant environmental impact was also identified.Conclusion:...

This research note describes an alternative scaling procedure for the Family Leisure Activity Profile (FLAP; Zabriskie & McCormick, 2001). The alternative scaling procedure preserves the ratio-level character of responses to FLAP questionnaire items, and it produces an estimate of prevalence of participation with interpretable units of time (hours). In contrast, the traditional FLAP scoring approach produces scores on an arbitrary scale, and these scores can be distorted indicators of involvement in core and balance activities. The increased precision and greater variation produced by the alternative scoring procedure may be a key to more consistent findings regarding family leisure in future studies.

Introduction: Adolescents are more likely to drive recklessly, to drive while intoxicated, to use illicit drugs, to engage in antisocial behavior and may have a lower sense of risk and understanding of the negative behavioral consequences than their adult counterparts, significantly increasing their risk of motor vehicle crashes. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of a supplemental driving program on young drivers' perception of risk and risky driving behaviors. The Health Belief Model was used as a guiding framework for the design and evaluation of the study. Methods: Participants (n = 28) attending the court mandated driving program completed measures of risk perception, risky driving behaviors, and risky driving knowledge before and after attending the program. Results: Participants' level of knowledge, perceived susceptibility, and severity of risky driving behaviors increased significantly. In particular, the change in risk perception for speeding was statistically significant and large effect sizes were noted. The participants' reported a moderate change in self-efficacy to control driving behaviors and acknowledged the impact of peer influences on drinking and driving. Conclusions: Overall, the program appeared to have a positive impact on risk perception and self-efficacy on the participants. Follow-up data on risky driving behaviors was limited and inconclusive. Practical application: Adolescent driving programs designed to reduce risky driving behaviors should include realistic experiences that increase risk perception and opportunities for teens to improve decision making skills related to risky driving.

For family leisure scholars, the growing understanding of neurobiological mechanisms in human behavior, emotions, and relationships offer new avenues for understanding the impact of family activities on family relationships. Oxytocin (OT) is a key neurohormone associated with bonding, attachment, emotions, and social memory. In both men and women, OT strengthens bonds in parent-child and romantic relationships. This paper considers the value of and orients family leisure scholars to the use of oxytocin measures in their research. Specifically, we provide an overview of the methodology for identifying which factors of family activities stimulate the release of endogenous oxytocin (i.e., methodology for collecting, assaying, and analyzing the endogenous OT), and we provide recommendations to family scholars for future use of oxytocin measures in their research.

Research on family communication in the leisure context has been limited to retrospective survey reconstructions of perceptions of communication patterns. This study examines the validity of sociometric badges for measuring family communication in real-time. Seven families (married, two-parent families with at least one child ages 4-17 years) wore sociometric badges during a 30-minute leisure activity in a lab setting. We compared mean badge estimates of family communication duration to mean coded video data from the same 30-minute sessions. Intraclass correlation coefficients indicated sociometric badges are not as reliable as video-coded estimates of speech; however, among parents, non-significant mean comparisons partially support the validity of sociometric badges. Deviation scores indicated average differences between the two methods to be less than three minutes. We urge scholars to proceed with cautious optimism if using sociometric badges for real-time communication data collection, and to pair badges with other data collection methods.

All family leisure is not equal. Yet, little is known about the mechanisms linking different types of family leisure to different human development and family relations outcomes. The Ecology of Family Experiences (EFE) framework provides a sensitizing lens for the study of the conditions under which family leisure is beneficial to individuals and families. Specifically, the framework suggests three domains-Family, Activity, and Time-iteratively interact to generate different levels of individual and family outcomes (i.e., responses, meaning, and development). The EFE necessitates research built on ecologically valid study designs that incorporate innovative measurement approaches. Scholars using such approaches can increase the precision and differentiation of findings leading to more effective research translation that informs family leisure education and intervention. Effective education and intervention can be used to increase protective factors inherent in family leisure to support healthy human development and family relations.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death and injuries for teens aged 12-19 (Miniño, 2010). These crashes account for one in three deaths of adolescents. Researchers working to reduce teen-driving fatalities have recognize that “parents are the key to improving teen driving safety” (Brooks-Russell & Simons-Morton, 2014, p. 600). Yet, it is difficult to determine specifically which strategies are most effective in improving parental involvement in teen-driving (Curry et al., 2015). Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to contribute to the growing literature on family-centered approaches to improving teen driving behaviors. Specifically, we examine the change in parental behaviors after participation in the Reality Education Driving (RED) program. ______________________________________ Common risk factors of adolescent crashes include the lack of driving experience, distractions, alcohol use, and poor judgment (Miniño, 2010). Research has demonstrated that the risk of an...

This study advanced knowledge of the measurement properties of the Family Leisure Activity Profile (FLAP). The FLAP is a sixteen-item index based on the Core and Balance Model of Family Functioning. This study assessed three distinct scaling techniques using data collected with the FLAP index: Technique 1 consisted of current practice; Technique 2 consisted of an approach based on reinterpretation of the theory underlying the FLAP; and Technique 3 consisted of a reformulated empirical approach that involved converting ordinal data to ratio-level approximations. Analyses were conducted using data from an online sample of 884 United Kingdom (U.K.) households. Two members of each responding household, a child and a parent, completed the FLAP index along with measures of family functioning. Analytic techniques included intraclass correlation, mean absolute deviation, Pearson r, generalizability theory (i.e., Gstudy and D-study); multitrait-multimethod matrix; and confirmatory factor analysis. Results of analysis using Technique 1 provided support for inter-rater agreement of the FLAP index. Results also suggested acceptable levels of reliability for research purposes and criterion-related evidence of validity. Technique 2 analyses revealed acceptable estimates of reliability and criterion-related validity; additionally, Technique 2 had better empirical fit indices than Technique 1. Results of analyses using Technique 3 provided insight into use of ratio-level data in comparison to ordinal-level data. Technique 3 reliability and validity coefficients decreased appreciably, yet Technique 3 produced the strongest fit indices among the three models. The completion of a doctorate degree has only been possible because of the individuals who have so greatly enriched my life. In the following comments, I will attempt to articulate my sincerest gratitude for those who participated in this chapter in my life or helped prepare me for this chapter. God blessed my life by surrounding me with incredibly generous individuals who gave of their time, energy, money, and other resources. These individuals sacrificed and provided me not only an education in academics, but also in life-especially in displaying for me the type of character I hope to attain. These people expected no payment in return; rather, they expected me one day to pay-it-forward to the individuals I will mentor and support in my lifetime. To begin, I want to acknowledge Dr. Ramon Zabriskie for his extreme generosity without which this dissertation would not have been possible. Dr. Zabriskie afforded me the opportunity to use one of his data sets to undertake my study without any constraints. He also sacrificed his time to explain the Core and Balance Model. Very few researchers in this world would be so kind to a student from another university. I also want to also acknowledge my "all-star" committee-Drs. Gary Ellis, Peter v Witt, Mat Duerden, and Chris Boleman. It has been an honor to have these individuals mentor me during the dissertation process. I offer special thanks to my committee chair, Dr. Gary Ellis. I thank him for allowing me to follow my passion for family leisure and for encouraging me every step of the way. He is brilliant and deserves tremendous credit for the direction of this dissertation. Working under the tutelage of Dr. Ellis represents the pinnacle of all I learned over the past four years. Being mentored by someone I have revered since my undergraduate schooling is indeed a high honor. Dr. Ellis sacrificed many hours to my academic growth and advanced my knowledge of research far more than any class or textbook ever could. Additionally, I am also grateful for Dr. Peter Witt who took a gamble on me many years ago when he invited me to join the Youth Development program at Texas A&M to earn a master's degree. I was not a safe bet, but he took a chance on me, acknowledging my potential. He then doubled his wager when he took another gamble on me for the doctoral program. He served as a primary source of support and opportunity over the past decade of my life. Dr. Mat Duerden encouraged me to follow my passion in studying family leisure and supported me with a foundational knowledge of scholarly literature on family leisure. Dr. Duerden represents a role model, whom I hope to emulate, in his willingness to share, partner, and empower others. Dr. Chris Boleman always challenged me to ensure that my empirical studies were relevant to the people we serve. To all these individuals, thank you for assistance throughout this project. Furthermore, I want to thank three special mentors-Cathy O'Keefe, Dottie vi Briggs, and Dr. Mike Edwards. These three individuals always fostered my potential, invested in my life, and gave me new ways of seeing the world. They provided the scaffolding for to move upward in knowledge and career. I am forever grateful for the skills they taught me along the way and the opportunities they gave me. I would not be where I am today without their mentorship. I also want to thank those who provided financial support during my doctoral work, which provided a pathway to make a doctorate a reality. I am grateful to the Elda J. Bradberry and Sequor Youth Development Scholarships; Drs. Peter Witt and Joyce Nies Youth Development Scholarship; Willie M. Harris Teaching Fellowship; and graduate assistant positions with the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences. This legacy of giving forever changed my life for the better. I commit to following in your footsteps and providing financial support to other graduate students. Last, but not least of all, I want to acknowledge my family and friends who supported me throughout this process. These individuals have been generous, forgiving, and supportive knowing the tough journey I was traveling. Of these individuals, I want to thank first my loving and supportive husband, Kyle Melton, who managed the distractions to guarantee my success. He provided unbelievable patience, encouragement, perspective, support, editorial assistance, and much needed encouragement to finish. The last four years has been an incredible journey together. I look forward to many more with you. I also give thanks to my daughter, Sloane, who is an unending source of joy, especially during the dark days of this journey, and reminder of my priorities. She continually teaches me the importance of my research to humanity. vii To my in-laws, Carol and Johnny Weaver, who fed and clothed me over the past four years during my stays in College Station. Their support also made this journey attainable and bearable during my days away from home. Thank you for your love and kindness. I also want to thank my other family members (i.e., Katy McGillberry, Penelope Maynard, George Maynard, the Cochranes, and the Brocks), friends (i.e., Ericka Olschewski, Allison Threet, the Johnsons, the Mitchells, the Wilsons, the McKowns, the Jacobus, the Raineys, the Ryans, and the Ballews), professors and colleagues (i.e., Dr. Corliss Outley,

All family leisure is not equal. Yet, little is known about the mechanisms linking different types of family leisure to different human development and family relations outcomes. The Ecology of Family Experiences (EFE) framework provides a sensitizing lens for the study of the conditions under which family leisure is beneficial to individuals and families. Specifically, the framework suggests three domains-Family, Activity, and Time-iteratively interact to generate different levels of individual and family outcomes (i.e., responses, meaning, and development). The EFE necessitates research built on ecologically valid study designs that incorporate innovative measurement approaches. Scholars using such approaches can increase the precision and differentiation of findings leading to more effective research translation that informs family leisure education and intervention. Effective education and intervention can be used to increase protective factors inherent in family leisure to support healthy human development and family relations.

Introduction: Adolescents are more likely to drive recklessly, to drive while intoxicated, to use illicit drugs, to engage in antisocial behavior and may have a lower sense of risk and understanding of the negative behavioral consequences than their adult counterparts, significantly increasing their risk of motor vehicle crashes. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of a supplemental driving program on young drivers' perception of risk and risky driving behaviors. The Health Belief Model was used as a guiding framework for the design and evaluation of the study. Methods: Participants (n = 28) attending the court mandated driving program completed measures of risk perception, risky driving behaviors, and risky driving knowledge before and after attending the program. Results: Participants' level of knowledge, perceived susceptibility, and severity of risky driving behaviors increased significantly. In particular, the change in risk perception for speeding was statistically significant and large effect sizes were noted. The participants' reported a moderate change in self-efficacy to control driving behaviors and acknowledged the impact of peer influences on drinking and driving. Conclusions: Overall, the program appeared to have a positive impact on risk perception and self-efficacy on the participants. Follow-up data on risky driving behaviors was limited and inconclusive. Practical application: Adolescent driving programs designed to reduce risky driving behaviors should include realistic experiences that increase risk perception and opportunities for teens to improve decision making skills related to risky driving.

This article provides a theoretical model that positions family leisure experiences as a mechanism for positive family outcomes and resilience in military families. The article integrates the Creation of Family Experiences (CFE) framework with literature on military families, family leisure, and structured experiences. The CFE framework is a conceptual model that provides a lens for examining the context of family activities in order to better identify benefits for human development and family relations. When contextualized within military settings, the CFE can be used to understand and systematically optimize military family leisure experiences. It is critical to consider the experiences of military families (e.g., relocation, deployment, reunion) and how those experiences interact with family leisure experiences to produce resilient families. Future research and practice should consider this application of the CFE framework when seeking to explain, support, and program recreation-based activities for military families. Satisfying family leisure experiences are a key conduit for developing individual and family resilience. Leisure facilitates stress recovery (Lazarus, Kanner, & Folkman, 1980) and

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death and injuries for teens aged 12-19 (Miniño, 2010). These crashes account for one in three deaths of adolescents. Researchers working to reduce teen-driving fatalities have recognize that "parents are the key to improving teen driving safety" (Brooks-Russell & Simons-Morton, 2014, p. 600). Yet, it is difficult to determine specifically which strategies are most effective in improving parental involvement in teen-driving (Curry et al., 2015). Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to contribute to the growing literature on family-centered approaches to improving teen driving behaviors. Specifically, we examine the change in parental behaviors after participation in the Reality Education Driving (RED) program. ______________________________________ Common risk factors of adolescent crashes include the lack of driving experience, distractions, alcohol use, and poor judgment (Miniño, 2010). Research has demonstrated that the risk of an adolescent crashing is greatest during the first six months of licensure (McCartt, Shavanova & Leaf, 2003). One persistent problem is that in order for drivers to gain substantial driving experiences to become competent drivers, they must increase driving time which increases the risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident. In response, some states have required the Graduated Driver Licensing, which was developed to increase experience without increasing risk (Williams & Ferguson, 2002). These programs tend to lawfully require effective prevention measures include increasing adult involvement and teen driving limits. Driving limits include increasing seatbelt use, decreasing distractions such as other teens in the car and texting, enforcing a zero tolerance for drinking and driving, and reducing driving time during high risk times especially at night and in inclement weather (Miniño, 2010).

This study advanced knowledge of the measurement properties of the Family Leisure Activity Profile (FLAP). The FLAP is a sixteen-item index based on the Core and Balance Model of Family Functioning. This study assessed three distinct scaling techniques using data collected with the FLAP index: Technique 1 consisted of current practice; Technique 2 consisted of an approach based on reinterpretation of the theory underlying the FLAP; and Technique 3 consisted of a reformulated empirical approach that involved converting ordinal data to ratio-level approximations. Analyses were conducted using data from an online sample of 884 United Kingdom (U.K.) households. Two members of each responding household, a child and a parent, completed the FLAP index along with measures of family functioning. Analytic techniques included intraclass correlation, mean absolute deviation, Pearson r, generalizability theory (i.e., Gstudy and D-study); multitrait-multimethod matrix; and confirmatory factor analysis. Results of analysis using Technique 1 provided support for inter-rater agreement of the FLAP index. Results also suggested acceptable levels of reliability for research purposes and criterion-related evidence of validity. Technique 2 analyses revealed acceptable estimates of reliability and criterion-related validity; additionally, Technique 2 had better empirical fit indices than Technique 1. Results of analyses using Technique 3 provided insight into use of ratio-level data in comparison to ordinal-level data. Technique 3 reliability and validity coefficients decreased appreciably, yet Technique 3 produced the strongest fit indices among the three models. The completion of a doctorate degree has only been possible because of the individuals who have so greatly enriched my life. In the following comments, I will attempt to articulate my sincerest gratitude for those who participated in this chapter in my life or helped prepare me for this chapter. God blessed my life by surrounding me with incredibly generous individuals who gave of their time, energy, money, and other resources. These individuals sacrificed and provided me not only an education in academics, but also in life-especially in displaying for me the type of character I hope to attain. These people expected no payment in return; rather, they expected me one day to pay-it-forward to the individuals I will mentor and support in my lifetime. To begin, I want to acknowledge Dr. Ramon Zabriskie for his extreme generosity without which this dissertation would not have been possible. Dr. Zabriskie afforded me the opportunity to use one of his data sets to undertake my study without any constraints. He also sacrificed his time to explain the Core and Balance Model. Very few researchers in this world would be so kind to a student from another university. I also want to also acknowledge my "all-star" committee-Drs. Gary Ellis, Peter v Witt, Mat Duerden, and Chris Boleman. It has been an honor to have these individuals mentor me during the dissertation process. I offer special thanks to my committee chair, Dr. Gary Ellis. I thank him for allowing me to follow my passion for family leisure and for encouraging me every step of the way. He is brilliant and deserves tremendous credit for the direction of this dissertation. Working under the tutelage of Dr. Ellis represents the pinnacle of all I learned over the past four years. Being mentored by someone I have revered since my undergraduate schooling is indeed a high honor. Dr. Ellis sacrificed many hours to my academic growth and advanced my knowledge of research far more than any class or textbook ever could. Additionally, I am also grateful for Dr. Peter Witt who took a gamble on me many years ago when he invited me to join the Youth Development program at Texas A&M to earn a master's degree. I was not a safe bet, but he took a chance on me, acknowledging my potential. He then doubled his wager when he took another gamble on me for the doctoral program. He served as a primary source of support and opportunity over the past decade of my life. Dr. Mat Duerden encouraged me to follow my passion in studying family leisure and supported me with a foundational knowledge of scholarly literature on family leisure. Dr. Duerden represents a role model, whom I hope to emulate, in his willingness to share, partner, and empower others. Dr. Chris Boleman always challenged me to ensure that my empirical studies were relevant to the people we serve. To all these individuals, thank you for assistance throughout this project. Furthermore, I want to thank three special mentors-Cathy O'Keefe, Dottie vi Briggs, and Dr. Mike Edwards. These three individuals always fostered my potential, invested in my life, and gave me new ways of seeing the world. They provided the scaffolding for to move upward in knowledge and career. I am forever grateful for the skills they taught me along the way and the opportunities they gave me. I would not be where I am today without their mentorship. I also want to thank those who provided financial support during my doctoral work, which provided a pathway to make a doctorate a reality. I am grateful to the Elda J. Bradberry and Sequor Youth Development Scholarships; Drs. Peter Witt and Joyce Nies Youth Development Scholarship; Willie M. Harris Teaching Fellowship; and graduate assistant positions with the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences. This legacy of giving forever changed my life for the better. I commit to following in your footsteps and providing financial support to other graduate students. Last, but not least of all, I want to acknowledge my family and friends who supported me throughout this process. These individuals have been generous, forgiving, and supportive knowing the tough journey I was traveling. Of these individuals, I want to thank first my loving and supportive husband, Kyle Melton, who managed the distractions to guarantee my success. He provided unbelievable patience, encouragement, perspective, support, editorial assistance, and much needed encouragement to finish. The last four years has been an incredible journey together. I look forward to many more with you. I also give thanks to my daughter, Sloane, who is an unending source of joy, especially during the dark days of this journey, and reminder of my priorities. She continually teaches me the importance of my research to humanity. vii To my in-laws, Carol and Johnny Weaver, who fed and clothed me over the past four years during my stays in College Station. Their support also made this journey attainable and bearable during my days away from home. Thank you for your love and kindness. I also want to thank my other family members (i.e., Katy McGillberry, Penelope Maynard, George Maynard, the Cochranes, and the Brocks), friends (i.e., Ericka Olschewski, Allison Threet, the Johnsons, the Mitchells, the Wilsons, the McKowns, the Jacobus, the Raineys, the Ryans, and the Ballews), professors and colleagues (i.e., Dr. Corliss Outley,

In the context of family leisure, individuals are more likely to achieve happiness when recreating with their families in predictable activities and in familiar environments. This hypothesis was tested by comparing three models predicting individual happiness. The three models were grounded in distinct frameworks of family leisure incongruity: (a) the null modelall family leisure is equal; (b) activity incongruity modelfamiliar versus unfamiliar family activities; and (c) location incongruity modelindoor-home, outdoor-home, community, and beyond the community. Analyses used a sample of 1502 individuals in 751 families from the U.K. Models were assessed using multi-level modelling. Overall, results indicated that in the pursuit of happiness all family leisure is not equal. The best predictors of happiness in the context of family leisure were quality family leisure time spent in familiar activities inside the home. Implications for today's families and future research are discussed.

This research note describes an alternative scaling procedure for the Family Leisure Activity Profile (FLAP; Zabriskie & McCormick, 2001). The alternative scaling procedure preserves the ratio-level character of responses to FLAP questionnaire items, and it produces an estimate of prevalence of participation with interpretable units of time (hours). In contrast, the traditional FLAP scoring approach produces scores on an arbitrary scale, and these scores can be distorted indicators of involvement in core and balance activities. The increased precision and greater variation produced by the alternative scoring procedure may be a key to more consistent findings regarding family leisure in future studies.