The effect of university students' leisure management skills on recreational flow experience

This research was conducted to examine how university students' ability to manage their leisure time influenced their recreational flow experiences and whether this relationship varied according to certain variables and the aim was also to identify possible solutions based on the findings of this study. While the population of the study consisted of students studying at Fırat University in the 2022-2023 academic year, the sample consisted of 1376 university students. The survey form used in the study consists of three parts. In the first part, the personal information form developed by the researcher was used, in the second part, the leisure time management scale, and in the third part, the recreational flow experience scale was used. The data obtained was analyzed with the SPSS 24 statistical program. The results obtained were discussed in accordance with the literature and supported with suggestions. According to the research results, significant differences were found between the Recreational Flow Experience Scale and the variables of gender, age, licensed sports background, club membership, and participation in recreational activities. However, no significant difference was observed based on the variable of income level. When evaluating the overall mean scores of the Leisure Time Management Scale, significant differences were found among the variables of age, licensed sports background, club membership, and participation in recreational activities. However, a significant difference was not detected based on the variables of gender and income level. It was determined that there was a statistically positive, moderate relationship between the students' leisure time management levels and recreational flow experience levels of the students participating in the study, and their ability to manage their free time affected their recreational flow experiences statistically positively. Keywords: Recreation, Leisure, Recreational Flow Experience, Leisure Management