Thesis (M.S.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1991. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 71-76). Also available via the Internet.

The purpose of this study was to inductively examine the content of the popular comic strip Calvin and Hobbes by analyzing its latent and subjective meaning to discover basic social psychological issues associated with family recreation. The entire collection of 1,360 Calvin and Hobbes strips was evaluated using Grounded Theory techniques influenced by the art scholarship evaluation tool iconography. Review of the strip suggests one way to assess the meaning associated with time use is through preemptive retrospection by which a person looks at current experiences through the lens of an anticipated future to estimate how meaningful that time will be. Overall, Calvin and Hobbes suggests that meaningful time use is a key attribute of a life well lived. One key element of meaningful time use is time spent with family. The strip also helps us see the value in continuing to seek that meaning with family despite apparent setbacks. This analysis brought to light issues associated with gathering meaning from comic strips, which are also discussed. Recommendations are made for future research in the field.

The primary purpose of this study was to examine the contribution of family-recreation amenities to home valuation in Southern Arizona communities. Although recreation amenities have become a frequent addition to housing developments, little research exists regarding the value these amenities contribute to home valuation. The sample consisted of 600 homes in master-planned communities and 600 homes in comparable traditional subdivisions. Using the hedonic pricing method, this study examined whether the inclusion of recreation amenities provides additional value to homes after structural and locational characteristics were controlled for. Blocked multiple regression analyses were used to determine the contribution of both individual and bundled recreation amenities to home valuation. The results of this study revealed a positive significant relationship between the bundle of community parks, neighborhood parks, and trails located within master-planned communities and home valuation, accounting for 17.45% of home value in this sample. In addition, the inclusion of family-recreation programming was found to contribute 6.82% of home value within master-planned communities. The findings suggest the inclusion of recreation amenities may be an appropriate way to revitalize communities, to increase the tax base for new housing developments, and to attract residents during a time of economic recession.

The purpose of this study was to explore how families would respond to a health-related, home-centered family fitness program designed to improve lifestyle exercise and eating behaviors. This program involved five families (eleven subjects) recruited from Park Road High School in Rural Virginia. The program was based on family systems theory, and social learning principles. The program consisted of a one-week baseline period and five two-week intervention periods. A changing criterion design was utilized; and incentives ($15 toward active sports equipment) were offered during the final two phases if all family members met their food goals for both weeks of the given phase. The entire group was tested regarding personal health measures (flexibility, resting heart rate, resting blood pressure, height, weight, and body composition); strength (bent knee sit-ups, modified pull-ups); knowledge (written test); and cardiovascular endurance (one mile or 1/2 mile run/walk) at baseline at the six week point (interim) of the intervention, and at the ten week point (final). / Master of Science