Concentration Concentration pertains to the focusing of consciousness and can be diffuse or highly focused. In general, casual leisure demands mostly diffuse levels of concentration although lapses into deeper levels can occur. These deeper levels are not, however, sustained for any period of time, partly because of the nature of the activity involved and the conditions and mindset under which it is conducted. The intrinsic qualities of the activity grab the participant s attention such that the individual gradually becomes absorbed by the activity. Immersion Intrinsically satisfying activities enable the individual to become more immersed in that particular activity.
Immersion is a psychological condition suggesting depth of involvement.
As this increases, peripheral environmental awareness decreases. Dissociation When absorption and immersion are of sufficient magnitude the individual disconnects totally from peripheral environmental stimuli. Time Distortion Time distortion occurs when adequate levels of concentration, absorption, immersion and dissociation have been achieved. Practitioners of serious leisure activities generally achieve deeper levels and are able to sustain this state of consciousness for longer periods. Practitioners of casual leisure generally achieve lower levels which are sustained for shorter periods of time.