The purpose of this study was to examine family communication within the Core and Balance Model of Family Leisure Functioning. This was accomplished using path analysis, specifically using a mediator model. Family leisure was measured using the Family Leisure Activity Profile (FLAP), family functioning using the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales (FACES II), and family communication using the Family Communication Scale (FCS). The sample was youth (n = 90) and parents (n = 123) from 25 different states in the US. Family leisure involvement predicted family functioning variables from the youth and family perspectives, but only partially from the parent perspective. Family leisure also predicted family communication from the youth and family perspectives, but not from the parent perspective. Family communication predicted family functioning from all of the perspectives. Path analyses from the youth perspective indicated that the relationship between core family leisure and family flexibility was mediated by family communication, as well as the relationship between balance family leisure and family cohesion. Path analyses from the parent perspective indicated the same mediation by communication as the youth, with an addition of the mediation of the relationship between balance family leisure and family flexibility. The data indicated that family communication does mediate some of the relationship between family leisure involvement and family functioning.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between family leisure involvement and family functioning among families that include children with developmental disabilities. The sample consisted of 154 families (154 parents and 62 youth). Data were analyzed from the parent, youth, and family perspective. The Family Leisure Activity Profile (FLAP) was used to measure family leisure involvement. FACES II was used to measure family functioning. A scale based upon the definition, classification, and systems of support manual of the American Association on Mental Retardation adapted by Dyches was used to measure the level of support needed by the child with a developmental disability. Blocked multiple regression analysis indicated a positive relationship between core family leisure and family cohesion, adaptability and overall family functioning, but the analyses indicated no relationship between balance family leisure and family cohesion, adaptability, and overall family functioning from all three perspectives. Results also indicated that family functioning and family leisure involvement were very similar between traditional families and families including children with developmental disabilities. Implications for practitioners and recommendations for further research are discussed.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between family leisure that includes physical activity and family functioning among families that have at least one child (17 years old or younger) at home. The sample consisted of 519 families. Data were analyzed from a parental perspective. Family leisure that includes physical activity was determined by using an adapted version of the Family Leisure Activity Profile (FLAP). Family functioning was determined using FACES II. Univariate analyses indicated significant positive correlations between the amount of the intensity present during physical activity participation and family functioning, cohesion, and adaptability. Multivariable analyses indicated a significant positive relationship between family leisure involvement and family functioning. Both core and balance family leisure patterns were predictors of family functioning; however, core family leisure patterns were the strongest family leisure predictor of family functioning. Intensity of physical activity during family leisure, as indicated by the results of the multivariable analyses, was not significant in explaining the variance of the dependent variable: family functioning. For the sample of this study, home-based recreational activities were preferred over all other types of family recreation even if families were living by public parks or recreational centers. Implications for recreational practitioners, other interesting findings, and recommendations for further research are discussed.