Collective Recreation Experiences among Teachers and School Staff in an Intrinsic Qualitative Case Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The sustained demands of teaching highlight the importance of exploring school-organized collective recreation as a context for recovery and social connection among teachers and school staff. This study explored how teachers and school staff experienced and interpreted school-organized collective recreation, including their intentions for life after returning to work. An intrinsic qualitative case study examined the 2026 IRGT Teachers and Staff Gathering organized by SD Islam Riau Global Terpadu, Pekanbaru, on August 13–16, 2026. Data comprised pre-activity interviews with five purposively selected participants and their post-activity written reflections, selected from the reflections completed by all 63 gathering participants. Reflections followed the 4F framework: Feeling, Finding, Future, and Faith. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Four interrelated patterns were reported within these domains: respite from routine and positive emotions; discoveries about togetherness, communication, and relational learning; intentions to carry calmness and collegial connection into everyday life; and spiritual meaning through gratitude, prayer, dhikr, contemplation, and appreciation of nature. Participants interpreted recreation through psychological, social, reflective, and spiritual dimensions. Work-life balance and psychological well-being informed interpretation but were not measured as outcomes. The findings offer a contextual account of shared recreation and do not establish causal effects or lasting improvements in well-being.
Institution: Riau University
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7223183517