The nature of the interest construct and its utility in the study of leisure behavior

Abstract

The intent of this paper is to initiate discussion regarding the nature of the interest construct. Interest influences "what people attend to, think about, discuss and learn more about" (Frick, 1992) and has been used pervasively in many disciplines as a means of explaining concepts as varied as career choice, motivation, enjoyment, learning and academic achievement, participation, attention, flow and importance. The interest construct, however, has not been clearly defined in the literature nor has a theoretical model yet been proposed. This synthesis of the disparate and multidisciplinary efforts involving interest moves us towards conceptualization and proposition of a theoretical framework that positions an expanded view of interest in the study of leisure behavior.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the 2002 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium

Citation

Drogin Rodgers, Ellen B.; Wiggins, Brenda P. 2003. The nature of the interest construct and its utility in the study of leisure behavior. In: Schuster, Rudy, comp., ed. Proceedings of the 2002 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-302. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station. 109-112