Mood as a Product of Leisure: Causes and Consequences

This paper demonstrates, through a review of the literature, that mood is a significant, prevalent and relevant product of leisure activities. Mood is shown to be an integral part of many leisure theories and a likely product of leisure experiences. Many factors which influence mood are under the control of recreation management. The relevance of mood is demonstrated by describing some of its impacts on memory, task performance, helping behavior, socialization, self-concept, and health. Potentially the most significant impact of leisure induced mood is its influence on the behaviors and cognitions of persons long after they leave the leisure setting.