Using Intentional Attributions to Explain Change in Leisure Meanings

Abstract

This study proposes that intentional attributions (e.g., beliefs and desires) related to experiencing leisure can explain change in the meanings of experiences. Descriptions of change in leisure obtained from a panel study of 20 young adults were analyzed for evidence of intentions associated with progression along a continuum of multi-dimensional meanings. Results suggest that intentional change (e.g., from believing that one has the right to choose time to purposefully deciding to regain control over time) can predict dimensional change in meanings (e.g., from defining time as “free time” to “making time”) and correspond with a different way of experiencing leisure.

Keywords:

• change
• experience
• leisure
• learning
• intentional strategy
• meanings

Acknowledgments

I am indebted to Gaylene Carpenter from the University of Oregon for inspiring the SCHOLE acronym through her study of leisure development in adulthood or ASOLDA project.