How to Be a Serious Leisure Participant? (A Case Study)

Abstract

The benefits of serious leisure activities demonstrate the significance of serious leisure participation. This study is thought to contribute to literature on how leisure time participation can be generated and sustained. This research presents a case study analysis on how an individual can be a significant leisure participant. In line with the purpose of the study, an “Astro pitch” organization was done which was originally started by the researcher but later continued by participants themselves willingly without any intervention. This organization continued on Mondays and a total of 14 participants (7 in each team) participated in the activity for about 8 months. Semi-structured interview technique (a qualitative technique) was used during data collection. While the games continued (they are still going on), the participants were first informed about serious leisure activities and they were asked whether this organization was considered as a serious leisure activity by them. Later, the researcher prepared a theoretical framework to ask participants how the organization was born, how it continued non-stop with the same participants and the general benefits of this organization. The main ideas obtained by the researcher were analyzed in terms of content by using Maxqda program and codes, categories and themes were obtained. According to themes found in this study; a leader is required for the participants to be a serious leisure participants and to sustain the activity; the activity should include opportunities for the individual to stand out, there must be rapport in the group, and the activity should be enjoyed.