Social Skills: An Integral Component of Leisure Participation and Therapeutic Recreation Services

Authors

  • Janiece J Sneegas

Keywords:

Social Skills, Social Competence, Therapeutic Recreation, Leisure Behavior

Abstract

Social interaction is a common element of the leisure lifestyle of most adults. Although little leisure behavior research has been conducted specifically to examine social leisure, accumulated evidence indicates that social involvement is both a primary leisure activity, as well as a motivation for involvement in other leisure activities. Social skills are necessary to facilitate positive social interaction. Deficits in social skills are common in many populations served by therapeutic recreation. These individuals need assistance in the development of social skills in order to experience a more satisfying leisure lifestyle. Within therapeutic recreation, social skill development plays an important role in therapy, leisure education and recreation participation services. For many clients, social skill development may be a primary need as social involvement is such an integral aspect of the leisure experience.

Published

1989-04-01

Issue

Section

Regular Papers