Relationship Between Leisure Sport and Exercise Participation and Psychological Benefits for Horsemen

Abstract

This study was a description of horsemen's perceived psychological benefits and liabilities derived from leisure sport and exercise participation. The horsemen that participated in this study were active trainers or grooms who stabled their horses at a training center. Sixty-six horsemen completed the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale: 2, Stress Profile, and this researcher's inventory of horsemen's activities entitled Samaha Horsemen's Activities Questionnaire (SHAQ). Seven horsemen were interviewed to obtain qualitative data. Two of the seven horsemen were omitted from the analysis due to no or limited responses to the questions. Quantitative data results revealed that leisure participation in exercise activities positively correlated with greater well-being, physical self concept, and total self concept scores. There was a statistically significant negative relationship between time devoted to participation in exercise and stress scores. The horsemen that participated in this study work in professional harness racing. An allowable and acceptable leisure activity is gambling. However, results indicated that there were statistically significant negative relationships between time spent gambling and physical self concept, well-being, and exercise and sport participation. Horsemen who were above the median on participation in sport and exercise had significantly higher physical self concept and well being scores than those who were below the median. The results indicate that participation in a variety of exercise and sports as well as time devoted to leisure physical activity had the strongest relationship with improved well-being. Analysis of the transcribed interviews revealed two major themes (limitations and perceived outcomes) and three subthemes within limitations (time, injury, and competitiveness) and perceived outcomes (socialization, physical, and psychological well-being) that described horsemen's participation in leisure sport and exercise. A central conflict emerged within horsemen's reluctance to become assertive in addressing their limitations. Horsemen viewed limitations in participation in sport and exercise as time, injury, and competitiveness. Those who participate in leisure sport and exercise were assertive in addressing their own limitations. The perceived outcomes were physical, socialization, and psychological benefits. Participants expressed that leisure sport and exercise provided possible benefits regardless of their involvement or adherence to an exercise program.