▼ The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of “Becoming an Outdoors-Woman” (BOW) weekend workshop on subsequent participation in outdoor recreation activities. Additionally, the interplay and relationship between self-efficacy, leisure constraints, and how these two theoretical constructs influence participation in outdoor recreation activities was explored. A new 18-item outdoor recreation self-efficacy scale (ORSE) was developed which proved to be a reliable instrument. There was a significant relationship between self-efficacy and constraints (higher self-efficacy was associated with lower constraints); constraints and participation (fewer constraints were associated with higher levels of participation in outdoor recreation); and self-efficacy and participation (higher self-efficacy was associated with higher levels of participation in outdoor recreation). These relationships have been documented in previous studies by other researchers demonstrating that attendees of outdoor recreation programs like BOW are likely to enhance or improve a woman’s perceived self-efficacy, lower perceived constraints, resulting in higher participation in outdoor recreation. Advisors/Committee Members: Mittelstaedt, Robin D.

▼ This project aims to observe the levels of perceived freedom in leisure and leisure satisfaction of four independent groups. Perceived Freedom is considered a determinant of independent leisure, and leisure satisfaction is a determinant of leisure enjoyment. Previous research ( Bialeschki and Michener, 1994; Bialeschki and Pearce, 1997; Brown, Brown, Miller, and Hansen, 2001; Freudinger, 1983; Henderson, Bialeschki, Shaw, and Freysinger, 1996; Henderson, Hodges, and Kivel, 2002; Horna,1989; Shaw, 1994; Wimbush and Talbot, 1988) focuses on how women, especially mothers, are a highly constrained group. Active mothering is a phase in life cycle development that does not include a great deal of leisure (Bialeschki and Michener, 1994). Childcare and other chores leave little time for leisure (Brown, Brown, Miller andHansen, 2001). Women must negotiate constraints in order to participate in leisure, recreation and exercise. Women using a support system or participating in a leisure group may be more likely to have greater perceived freedom and leisure satisfaction. The sample included two groups of mothers participating in a Mothers of Preschoolers program (MOPS) and two groups of mothers that were using a local preschool facility, but not participating in the MOPS program. The survey instruments consisted of: demographic questions, Perceived Freedom in Leisure Scale (PFL), and Leisure Satisfaction Model (LSM). There is a significant positive correlation between level of involvement in the MOPS program and scores on the LSM. Differences between scores on the PFL and job status are approaching significance and need to be studied further. Advisors/Committee Members: Mittelstaedt, Robin.