An analysis of the leisure activities finder based on congruence of personality and activity choice.

Abstract

In an effort to assess the validity of Holland's Leisure Activities Finder (LAF) , this study compared groups of 18-tQ-28-year-Qld college students who had been classified as participating in recreational activities that were either congruent Qr non congruent with their personality types. Holland's Self Directed Search (SDS) was completed by participants to determine personality type. Results of the SDS were then used to identify personality congruent activities listed in the LAF. Level of enjoyment and frequency of participation were the two variables by which comparisons were made. Participants were also asked to list the three recreational activities they participate in most often and rate each activity on enjoyment and frequency. Each activity was located on the LAF to determine if it was included in the list of activities identified as congruent with the participant's personality. Dependent variable ratings were rank ordered and placed into high, medium, and low groups of enjoyment and frequency; therefore a total of six groups were formed. Two-tailed t-test comparisons were made between congruent and noncongruent activities within each f the six groups. No significant differences were found among any of the six comparisons. This study found no evidence to support the ability of the LAF to differentiate between activities that are congruent and incongruent with one's personality. Further research should consider variables such as self-esteem, self-efficacy, and other factors believed to be related to participation in activities congruent with personality.