A LONGITUDINAL INVESTIGATION OF MIDLIFE MEN WHO HOLD LEISURE IN HIGHER REGARD THAN WORK

This study examines perceptions about leisure and work over time for t wo men at mid-life. The men were studied because they showed a consist ent, long term pattern of valuing leisure more than work. Using longit udinal data, variables under investigation included ranking leisure, v aluing leisure, leisure attitude, wants out of life, time for leisure, impact of life experiences, and perception of individual life structu re. The purpose of the study was to explore the mid-life choice these two men made to disengage in work in order to pursue leisure. Findings demonstrated that the men held leisure in higher regard than work ove r the study period. This pattern was maintained through positive and n egative life experiences, perceptual changes in life structure, and va rying selections of most important wants out of life.