YSA featured articles v.18, n.2 pp.24-29

Citation: Patterson, I. and Pegg, S. 1999, Nothing to do: The relationship between 'leisure boredom' and alcohol and drug addiction: Is there a link to youth suicide in rural Australia? Youth Studies Australia, v.18, n.2, pp.24-29.

Summary:
This review of recent research in regard to young adults and adolescents suggests that there may be a causal link between leisure boredom and high-risk behaviours such as substance abuse as well as various forms of mental distress. Adolescents and young adults who perceive their leisure to be unsatisfying, or in some way incomplete, may be at greater risk of engaging patterns of leisure behaviour which are detrimental to their physical and/or psychological well-being. This paper and Tim Sprod's paper demonstrate the need to consider a diversity of factors which may be associated with youth suicide.

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Last modified: 16 June, 2006