Escapism motive for sport consumption as a predictor of meaning in life

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine whether spectator escapism motive for sport consumption could predict meaning in life, and to explore the role of psychological ownership in this relationship. A sample of 806 football spectators (African = 85%, male = 67.4%, Sesotho = 26.2%) completed the Motivation Scale for Sport Consumption (MSSC), the South African Psychological Ownership Questionnaire (SAPOS) and the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ). Structural equation modelling was utilised to investigate the postulated paths of the structural model. Escapism motive for sport consumption predicted meaning in life among spectators through psychological ownership. The sports escapism motive can yield positive psychological outcomes for sports fans.

Keywords:

• escapism motive
• meaning in life
• psychological ownership
• effort recovery model
• attachment theory

Acknowledgements

This report is a Kaizer Chiefs Innovation Centre knowledge project. Views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Kaizer Chiefs Football Club or its management.