An analysis of visible irregularities in citizens’ Leisure-Time sports participation with an emphasis on Chaos Theory

Document Type : policymaking

Authors
mohamad hasan abdolahi 1
Ali Abolhoseini 2
vahid saatchiyan 3
1 Assistant Professor of Sports Management, Shiraz University
2 PhD student of sports management at Allameh Tabatabai University in Tehran
3 Department of Sport Science, Imam Reza International University, Mashhad, Iran
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze visible irregularities in citizens’ leisure-time sports participation using a chaos theory framework. This research was applied in purpose and descriptive–correlational in design. The statistical population consisted of active citizens of Mashhad who had participated continuously for at least six months in sports-related leisure projects organized by the Mashhad Municipality. A total of 384 participants were randomly selected as the study sample. All statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS software, and structural equation modeling was performed using LISREL software. Based on the results, exploratory factor analysis identified affective factors, strange attractors, dynamic adaptation, and familiarity as the most important components influencing citizens’ leisure-time sports participation. From the participants’ perspective, the self-esteem component received the highest mean score, whereas dynamic adaptation received the lowest. According to the findings, most citizens experience chaotic conditions due to the presence of entropy-related factors and are unable to make decisions about leisure-time sports participation based on fixed and predictable time criteria. Consequently, their decision-making tends to be short-term and flexible. Under conditions of environmental disorder, even small changes in sports-related decisions can produce substantial effects on individuals’ future sports participation and physical activity. Therefore, leveraging opportunities and fostering creativity through small but effective changes may help move conditions toward a more active lifestyle.

Keywords

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journal of olympic studies
Volume 3, Issue 3
studies of Olympic
Autumn
Autumn 2025
Pages 83-101

  • Receive Date 25 July 2024
  • Revise Date 08 December 2024
  • Accept Date 09 December 2024