ANALYZING THE LEISURE ACTIVITIES FROM THE WORK OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS

Authors : Szilvia Jagodicsné Szőke, Ilona Karácsony, Mónika Ferenczy

Pages : 31-48

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Publication Date : 2023-05-24

Article Type : Research Article

Abstract :Our research focused on assessing the leisure time of early childhood educators and the adverse factors that come from their work, as well as the relationship between these factors. Quantitative, cross-sectional research was conducted on an online Hungarian language profession-specific platform. Non-random, convenience sampling was used to interview early childhood educators working 40 hours per week (n=279). Our data collection was carried out using standard (CD-RISK-10, WBI-5) and self-designed questions. For our analysis we used correlation analysis, -test, ANOVA test KruskalWallis test (p≤0.05). Almost 2/5 of respondents felt they did not have enough free time, more often those who were in a relationship (p<0.05) and those with lower education (p<0.05). Activities and their co-occurrence with other forms of leisure activities were associated with higher levels of resilience (p<0.05), while feelings of well-being were increased by active and experiential forms of regeneration (p<0.05). Among the forms of leisure activities the exercise (running, walking, swimming, gymnastics), while in case of experiential activities the time spent with friends and family, and creative activities - crafts significantly influenced the resilience (p<0.05) , and the feeling of wellbeing (p<0.05), but cultural experiences also had a positive effect on latter area (p<0.05). Increases in both well-being and resilience were associated with lower levels Karacsony, I.; Szoke, S.J..; Ferenczy, M.. (2023) Analyzing the leisure activities from the work of early childhood educators International Journal of Quality in Education of perceived job strain (p<0.05). The mean of these pressures was higher for those who perceived they did not have enough leisure time (p<0.05). In case of more frequent presence of experience activities the burden of working days is less tiring (p<0.05). The profession of early childhood educator is also accompanied by orkloads, which can be reduced mainly by the regular presence of a variety of leisure activities and their combination, which leading to a better general well-being and more flexible adaptation in daily life.
Keywords : Early childhood educator, leisure, mental well-being, workload