RST 100 1st Edition Lecture 4 Outline of Last Lecture I I Clicker Question II Happiness III Life Satisfaction IV UIUC Prof Diener Satisfaction Scale V Making Connections VI Play VII Theories of Play a Defining Play b Surplus Energy Theory c Recreation Relaxation Theory d Preparation Practice Theory e Psychoanalytic Theory f Cognitive Theory VIII Why do Adults Play a Sexual Selection Theory b Play for Adults c Play Frames Outline of Current Lecture I II III IV V Definition of Theories Neulinger s Paradigm Serious Leisure Compensation and Spillover Flow Current Lecture January 29th 2015 Explaining Leisure What influences our leisure choices These notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor s lecture GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes not as a substitute How can we understand our leisure Ch 2 Leisure Choices The reasons we make our leisure choices are complex numerous and interrelated We use various theories and models to help us understand these choices Theoretical Explanations What is a Theory The goal of a theory is to o Summarize existing knowledge o Provides explanation for observed events o Predict future events o Group think ex when involved in a large group behavior may follow the norm Numerous theories have been used to explain leisure from sociology psychology anthropology economics etc Neulinger sParadigm Psychologist Emphasizes states of mind leisure and non leisure o Why work can sometimes be very enjoyable and leisure is not Perceived Freedom is determining quality of the leisure states of mind Of secondary importance is motivation intrinsic versus extrinsic Leisure Theory Neulinger s Paradigm see Textbook for reference 6 types of psychological states of mind 3 leisure state of mind o Pure leisure best possible leisure o Leisure work extrinsic and intrinsic motivating o Leisure job leisure state of mind but rewards are purely extrinsic freely choose it but only for alternate reasons 3 non leisure state of mind o Pure work working but enjoy it o Work job Both extrinsic and intrinsic rewards when at work o Pure job Just a job just in it for the paycheck non leisure state of mind Paycheck normally associated with work and therefore isn t considered leisure The distinction between leisure and non leisure states of mind it the presence of absences of the perceive freedom of choice Serious Leisure Stebbins Serious Leisure is the systematic pursuit of an activity centered on acquiring and expressing its special skills knowledge and experiences o Someone who finds something they really like but they really get into it Ex running biking music Almost takes over life and usually what individual resorts to during free time o Contrasted with casual or non serious leisure o High investment leisure o Make leisure activity a priority in life Several Distinct Qualities o 1 Perseverance confront obstacles to participate in activity Physical discomfort etc o 2 Make a significant personal effort acquire knowledge training or skill needed for activity Driving long lengths to reach destination where activity is accessible o 3 Receive personal benefits rewards from the activity Feelings of accomplishment enhancement of self image physical products o 4 Identify strongly with the chosen pursuit sometimes even more than occupation activity becomes part of identity Hub around which life decisions are made o 5 Be a part of a unique subculture those who have a similar commitment to the activity The Marginality of serious Leisure These distinct quantities can marginalize serious leisure participants in a society dominated by casual leisure Desire to engage in the activity beyond the time and money available o To many people it doesn t seem reasonable but for individual it is very important More theories Compensation and Spillover Wilensky Explain leisure choices as a response to work Based on the premise that people s work directly influences their leisure choices Compensation Theory o Leisure compensates for work o Deprivations experiences at work are compensated for during leisure o People participate in leisure activities that satisfy needs they can t at work Spillover Theory o Suggests work spills over into free time o Workers participate in leisure activities that have characteristics similar to their job related tasks Both of these theories are highly explained in book and could be reliable to explain towards an individual Some Issues to Consider Is it connected to satisfaction with work What about people who do not work outside the home Connected to assumptions about work and leisure Ex 2 50 yr old professor o One a professor at UIUC other Kraft worker o One watches PBS and the other watches Fox one hunts other plays tennis one reads automobile magazines other one reads historical fiction one brinks bud other chardonnay o Proof of Stereotypes on people s employment o Theories are not full proof and don t take everything into consideration Flow Csikszentmihalyi Total immersion and involvement in an activity either work or leisure Become so involved in activity that nothing else seems to matter Athletes being in the zone everything comes together o Characterized Loss of self consciousness Not as self aware or self conscious about what you re doing Sense of complete self control Note or shots performed or executed will happen Altered state of time Never realize how quickly the time passes o Conditions Balance between challenges and skills Intrinsically rewarding doing it because we want to Doesn t have to be leisure can be work Clear feedback Flow is a good balance between anxiety and boredom right about in the middle diagram in lecture Perfect balance of skill and challenge