Society and Leisure: 40th anniversary of publications on research in leisure and health

For the 40-year anniversary of Loisir et Societe/Society and Leisure, it was interesting to take stock of the articles that were published in connection with the theme of leisure and health. The last 40 years of publications have thus been scrutinized based on precise selection criteria. For this first analysis, 131 articles were selected. A qualitative analysis was carried out and shed light on four recurring themes related to leisure, health and the optimal development of individuals: (1) reflection on the theoretical foundations; (2) recreation and population with special needs; (3) leisure and health maintenance; and (4) leisure experience and development of individuals. A quantitative analysis was then conducted to highlight trends in five-year increments over the last 40 years. The results of these analyses are then discussed to put into perspective the evolution of the literature in the field of leisure and health according to various issues that have affected society over the years.