earticle

영어

The purpose of this study is to analyze the effects of the frequencies of family leisure activities and family meals and family closeness on the sociality of elementary school children. From October 1 to November 30, 2010, data were collected from 290 elementary school children and their parents residing in Seoul and Incheon. The major findings of this study were as follows. First, there was a significant difference between double-income and single-income families in the frequency of family meals; single-income families enjoyed fewer family leisure activities and more family meals than double-income families did. Second, the levels of family closeness were significantly predicted by the frequencies of family leisure activities and family meals, and family meals more significantly predicted the levels of family closeness than did family leisure activities. Finally, the frequencies of family leisure activities and family meals significantly predicted the levels of children’s sociality, as did the levels of family closeness. In conclusion, family leisure and family meals are important activities that enhance family closeness and children’s sociality.