Thesis
The role of active leisure events in positive lifestyle transformation
Southern Cross University
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University
2021
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25918/thesis.187
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Abstract
Active Leisure Events (ALEs) are organised events focused on fostering a broad range of participation in individualised active leisure. ALEs have increased in popularity and now attract large numbers of entrants in multiple countries around the world. Concurrently, physical inactivity is the fourth leading cause of non-communicable diseases worldwide. Governments in many western countries have developed policies and programs to curb increasing levels of preventable diseases resulting from inactive lifestyles. This study adopted a phenomenological perspective to explore the experiences of 30 previously physically inactive adults who had negotiated a positive lifestyle transformation to lead renewed lifestyles characterised by self-directed physical activity and regular participation in ALEs.
A social-psychological theoretical framework was adopted, synthesising self-determination theory, along with the concepts of leisure constraints, facilitators, constraint negotiation and social worlds. This study assumed a subjective stance in examining each individual’s unique experience with positive lifestyle transformation. Qualitative methods encompassing semi-structured, in-depth interviews and photo elicitation were deployed to comprehensively explore each person’s lived experience.
Data analysis revealed that, prior to commencing their positive lifestyle transformation, many participants held unenthusiastic feelings regarding exercise and feared exerting themselves. Crucially, all participants had an interpersonal facilitator in their family or social networks who encouraged them to be more active. Many participants recounted entering into social worlds bound together by shared interests in particular modes of active leisure, such as running or multisport. They extensively recalled receiving additional support from training partners, coaches and leaders within their specific social worlds. ALEs provided supportive, nurturing environments, goal-setting opportunities, a sense of purpose for their physical activity adherence and a reward for months of preparation.
As their involvement increased, each participant’s behavioural regulation began to shift away from external regulation towards more internally regulated behaviours, and physical activity became integrated into their lifestyles and as part of their self-concept. Further outcomes of this study suggest that policymakers should reframe public health messages away from physical activity as a strenuous pastime. The key to increasing levels of physical activity in society lies with changing perceptions of physical activity from undesirable and exhausting to being a form of fun and enjoyable movement that can assist with wellbeing, growing social connectivity and enhancing quality of life.
Details
- Title
- The role of active leisure events in positive lifestyle transformation
- Creators
- Peita Rae Hillman
- Contributors
- Matthew Lamont (Supervisor) - Southern Cross UniversityPascal Scherrer (Supervisor) - Southern Cross University
- Awarding Institution
- Southern Cross University; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Theses
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University
- Publisher
- Southern Cross University
- Number of pages
- xvii, 303
- Identifiers
- 991012994498802368
- Copyright
- © RTP Domestic 2021
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Business, Law and Arts
- Resource Type
- Thesis