The Multi-day, Competitive Leisure Event: Examining Satisfaction Over Time

The purpose of this study was to determine what factors affect a person's satisfaction over the course of a multi-day, competitive leisure event. Different types of satisfaction were measured across several distinct stages of recreational experiences. In this study, satisfaction with one's preparedness, performance, and overall experience were assessed. Correlations showed significant relations among the three measures of satisfaction but no significant relationships among expectations about chances of winning and any of the measures of satisfaction. Discriminant analysis was used to differentiate between those able to cope with adverse conditions and still have a satisfying experience and those unable to do so. Significant discriminant functions were found relative to satisfaction with performance based on preparation, satisfaction with overall performance, and accomplishing what one planned. The contributing predictive variables were “satisfaction with one's performance the first day of competition” and “familiarity with the climate of the area.”