Background: This study presents the evaluation of a Community Animation Program (CAP) conducted in a rural town in Spain aimed towards improving the participants' Quality of Life. The program includes animation, culture, and leisure activities to improve not only the inhabitants' Subjective Quality of Life but also social cohesion and enhance a sense of community belonging.
Methods: A repeated measure pre/post-test design with an experimental and equivalent control group (55 participants per group) was used to evaluate the efficacy of the Program. Instruments included measures of Quality and Satisfaction of Life, Happiness, Positive and Negative Affect, Mental Health, Self-esteem, Loneliness and Community Support. The number of participants practically included the whole universe of town members participating in community activities.
Results: The program improved the participants' Quality of Life, with a stronger impact on the relational, community and environmental dimensions as well as psychological wellbeing. Community animation prevents isolation and loneliness and creates social cohesion. Social interactions improve life satisfaction of the participants.
Conclusion: The CAP enhances integration, leisure and interaction and generates more positive affect, happiness and social wellbeing. Promoting recreation centres and programs in rural settings may improve inhabitants' health and general wellbeing as well as enhancing social connectedness.
Keywords: community animation programs; leisure; program evaluation; quality of life and well-being; rural community.
© 2020 International Association of Applied Psychology.