Recreation Anxiety in University Students: Sample of the Faculty of Sports Sciences

The aim of this research is to determine the profiles of students in the Faculty of Sports Sciences according to their levels of recreational anxiety and to examine these profiles in terms of various demographic variables. The study, conducted within the framework of the general survey model, a quantitative research method, included 325 undergraduate students in the research group. Data were collected through a Personal Information Form and a Recreational Anxiety Scale. Hierarchical clustering (Ward’s method) and K-means clustering analysis were used to determine profiles. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square test, and correspondence analysis were used for demographic variables. The findings showed that participants were divided into three different profiles: low, medium, and high recreational anxiety. Low, medium, and high anxiety profiles were determined in all sub-dimensions of recreational anxiety. A significant and low-level relationship was found between age, gender, class level, employment status, and weekly physical activity participation frequency and recreational anxiety profiles. However, a moderate and significant relationship was found between experiencing anxiety in previous recreational activities and current recreational anxiety profiles. Furthermore, it was observed that as the level of self-efficacy in recreational activities increased, recreational anxiety decreased. Consequently, it was determined that recreational anxiety does not exhibit a homogeneous structure among students, that different profiles emerge, and that past recreational experiences and the individual's perception of competence are particularly important in understanding these profiles. The findings indicate that it is important for recreation programs in universities to be planned with the individual differences and past experiences of students in mind.