Leisure activities preference of Israeli Jewish children from secular versus Orthodox families

Aims: To compare daily activity preferences of Israeli Jewish Orthodox and secular children in order to better understand the relationship between children's religious background and their participation patterns. Methods: Participants were 45 Orthodox and 45 secular Israeli Jewish children, aged 610.6 years. Major findings: In most PAC scales, the secular children showed a significantly lower preference than the Orthodox children to participate in activities. In both groups, activity preferences were impacted by age and gender. Among the secular group, mother's education level was correlated with a lower preference to participate in active physical activities. Principal conclusions: Family religiosity may impact on children's daily activity preferences. Occupational therapists should consider these socio-environmental factors in order to better integrate a child's religious and cultural identity into therapeutic interventions and assist the child in finding a meaningful occupational experience.