Thesis (M.A.)--Florida State University, 2004. / Advisor: Dr. Rochelle Marrinan, Florida State University, College of Arts and Sciences, Dept. of Anthropology. Title and description from dissertation home page (viewed Jan. 31, 2005). Includes bibliographical references.

Ph. D.

Russell County, Kentucky, is a small rural county, with a population of 11,900, located 85 miles east of Bowling Green, Kentucky, There were approximately 2800 adults between the ages of 25 and 45 living in the county during the summer of 1980. The problem of this study was twofold: (1) to assess the recreational needs and interests of 25 to 45 year old adults in Russell County, Kentucky, during the summer of 1980, and (2) to make recommendations based upon the findings of the study. A survey instrument was developed, with the aid of a jury of experts, t.) serve as the data gathering tool. The survey was mailed out to a random sample of 500 Russell Countians between the ages of 25 and 45, Two hundred twenty completed surveys were returned to the researcher. The survey instrument included questions dealing with present attitudes and interests toward recreation and also present locations of organized recreation pursuits. Also included were questions concerning needed programs and facilities for recreation. Surveys were analyzed and results were tabulated by the Western Kentucky University Data Processing Center. Tabulations indicated a trend toward dissatisfaction with present recreational programs and facilities in Russell County and a definite need for increased governmental provisions of programs, facilities, and professional recreation leadership through a full-time director. Also it was observed that respondents were receptive to the idea of user fees for participation in desired programs. The researcher, based on the findings of the study, recommended that Russell County officials might wish to re-examine the importance, priority, and necessity of recreation to the 25 to 45 year old population both individually and collectively.

This study arose as a result of a number of years spent in the southwestern portion of Virginia working with the people of this mountainous region, teaching their children, and observing their way of life. This experience made it seem desirable to study the factors which tend to favor, as well as those which retard progress toward desirable and worthwhile goals or life; if possible, to point to ways in which such progress might be promoted in this area, especially among rural populations. Thus three counties, Dickenson, Russell, and Wise, were chosen for intensive study, on the hypothesis that they were representative of the counties in the southern tip of Virginia and to some degree, of the entire Appalachian mountain range. / M.S.