Leisure Activities and Perceived Risk

A number of previous studies have examined the role of perceived risk in influencing choice processes related to consumer products. The present research assessed the relevance of this concept for the study of leisure activities. Measures of overall risk and seven components of risk were measured for 20 leisure activities using two parallel measurement scales. Significant variation was found in the levels of risk associated with the 20 activities studied. In addition, the results indicated substantial differences in the most important components of risk associated with leisure activities and traditional tangible products. It was also found that levels of perceived risk concerning leisure declined as individuals became more familiar with and interested in the activities studied. Findings from the two measures employed were convergent but failed to discriminate adequately among the various components of risk.