Leisure as immediate conscious experience: Foundations, evaluation, and extension of the theory of structured experiences
G. Ellis, Jingxian Jiang, P. Freeman, Andrew Lacanienta, T. Jamal
July 27, 2020 DOI: 10.1080/00222216.2020.1754735 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key points | Proposes revisions to the theory of structured experience (TSE 2.0) based on a review of prior research on leisure as immediate conscious experience and empirical tests of the original theory. |
Abstract
Abstract The nature, causes, and effects of immediate conscious leisure experiences have long been central interests of scholars. Significant contributions to the field include Abraham Maslow’s studies of ecstasy and peak experience, Sigmund Koch’s descriptions of two forms of consciousness, John Neulinger’s classification of immediate conscious experiences based on their motivational contexts, Michael J. Ellis’ application of arousal theory to play, Howard and Diane Tinsley’s theory of the leisure experience, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s career of inquiry into the “flow” phenomenon, and recently, the theory of structured experience (TSE). This paper reviews research on leisure as immediate conscious experience relating to development of TSE and informs new propositions strengthening the original theory (TSE 2.0) by (a) interpreting TSE in the context of previous research on leisure as immediate conscious experience of leisure, (b) summarizing, integrating, and critiquing research conducted to test propositions of TSE, and (c) proposing revisions to TSE based on completed research.