Ecology of family experiences: Contextualizing family leisure for human development & family relations. (1st January 2022) - Melton, Karen K.
Abstract: All family leisure is not equal. Yet, little is known about the mechanisms linking different types of family leisure to different human development and family relations outcomes. The Ecology of Family Experiences (EFE) framework provides a sensitizing lens for the study of the conditions under which family leisure is beneficial to individuals and families. Specifically, the framework suggests three domains— Family, Activity, and Time— iteratively interact to generate different levels of individual and family outcomes (i.e., responses, meaning, and development). The EFE necessitates research built on ecologically valid study designs that incorporate innovative measurement approaches. Scholars using such approaches can increase the precision and differentiation of findings leading to more effective research translation that informs family leisure education and intervention. Effective education and intervention can be used to increase protective factors inherent in family leisure to support healthy human development and family relations.