2021/11/30 by Cindy L. Hartman, Denise M. Anderson, Robert J. Barcelona
Psychology · Social Sciences · #Identity, Memory, and Therapy #Impact of Technology on Adolescents #Psychological and Temporal Perspectives Research
paper · doi:10.1080/00222216.2021.1999780
crossref issued 2021/11/30 · crossref published 2021/11/30 · crossref published-online 2021/11/30 · openalex publication_date 2021/11/30 · crossref created 2021/11/30 · crossref deposited 2022/07/14 · crossref published-print 2022/08/08 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01 · crossref indexed 2026/08/01
Leisure is an important developmental context during emerging adulthood because of its inherent freedom, opportunity for challenge, and potential for identity exploration. The nature of leisure is often linked with different developmental pathways surrounding well-being and identity. This quantitative study collected free time perceptions, well-being, and identity measures from college-attending emerging adults (n = 565). Using a clustering approach, participants were grouped based on four free time perceptions measures (awareness, boredom, challenge, distress) and then compared for differences in self-esteem, depression, and identity commitment and exploration. Groupings were named based on unique free time profiles, including mastering, restoring, stagnating, and struggling during free time. Each group had significantly different perceptions of free time awareness and boredom, and groups differed in well-being and identity scores, although not exclusively. Results show the importance of addressing free time perceptions, particularly cognitive (awareness) and affective (boredom) attitudes and inform leisure-based programming and marketing on college campuses.