Deviant leisure in the collegiate undergraduate population: predicting participation and affect using self-discrepancy theory

Blanco, Joel Andrew

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/90551 Copy

Description

Title

Deviant leisure in the collegiate undergraduate population: predicting participation and affect using self-discrepancy theory

Author(s)

Blanco, Joel Andrew

Issue Date

2016-04-18

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Barnett-Morris, Lynn

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Barnett-Morris, Lynn

Committee Member(s)

• Shinew, Kimberly
• Berdychevsky, Liza
• Sydnor, Synthia

Department of Study

Recreation, Sport and Tourism

Discipline

Recreation, Sport, and Tourism

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

• Self-Discrepancy Theory
• Deviant Leisure

Abstract

"Collegiate undergradatues are prone to high levels of deviant behavior during their leisure time. This population, known as emerging adults, have ample free time compared to other developmental groups and often spend this time in leisure pursuits deemed inappropriate or ""deviant"" by some elements of society. The present study utilized Self-Discrepancy Theory to determine if this framework was predictive of college students' deviant leisure participation, a desire to make changes to the amount of time spent in deviant leisure, and the affective results of engaging in deviant leisure. This theory posits that perceived differences between one’s actual self-image and desired self-image, as well as differences between actual self-image and the expectations of others, will result in negative affect. In addition, the study assessed personal approval of deviant leisure, as well as perceptions of others’ approval of deviant leisure to determine if attitudes towards these behaviors predicted participation. Results indicated that Self-Discrepancy Theory did not predict participation in deviant leisure or a desire to alter deviant leisure behaviors. This theory did predict the resulting negative affect, but this finding was limited to discrepancies between actual self-image and desired self-image. Perceived discrepancies beween actual self-image and the expectations of others did not predict affect. However, personal attitudes towards deviant leisure, as well as the attitudes of close friends, were both highly predictive of participation in these behaviors. While Self-Discrepancy Theory was largely not predictive of the deviant leisure pursuits of collegiate undergraduates, the results indicated that these behaviors were a significant component of the behaviors of this population. While some of these behaviors are unhealthy, many contain no intrinsic harm to the individual, yet the attached stigma results in lowered enjoyment. Further research should examine the positive outcomes that accompany these behaviors in an attempt to further understand the motivations for engaging in deviant leisure."

Graduation Semester

2016-05

Type of Resource

text

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/90551

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2016 Joel Andrew Blanco

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