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

"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."

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Recreation, Sport, and Tourism

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2016

Author dc:creator

• Blanco, Joel Andrew

Contributors dc:contributor

• Barnett-Morris, Lynn
• Shinew, Kimberly
• Berdychevsky, Liza
• Sydnor, Synthia

• Self-Discrepancy Theory
• Deviant Leisure

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2016 Joel Andrew Blanco

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

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

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/90551