To study the leisure activities, social participation, and organizational participation of mental patients before hospital admission, a three-part research instrument was developed consisting of a structured interview schedule requesting information on the patient's leisure activities, a self-administered questionnaire entitled Survey of Opinions completed by the patient, and a form for compiling demographic data. The sample consisted of 300 newly admitted patients in a state mental hospital, male and female, aged 16 years and over. Data on patients' characteristics are presented in 21 tables. Data on leisure activities and organizational participation are presented in 17 additional tables, with breakdowns for sex and age (under or over 30 years). Some major findings were that few patients (under 10%) participated in community-sponsored recreational or adult education or social activities, fewer than 10% participated in church-related activities, and the great majority had very limited social networks and a life style characterized by a high degree of social isolation. Discussed are implications for hospital and community rehabilitation programs, especially with reference to therapeutic recreation. (KW)