Comparing Social Identity and Serious Leisure Levels of Squatchin' Participants
Presenter Hometown
Lebanon, KY
Major
Recreation and Park Administration
Department
Recreation and Park Administration
Degree
Graduate
Mentor
Michael J. Bradley
Mentor Department
Recreation and Park Administration
Recommended Citation
Taylor, Mitchell and Bradley, Michael J. Ph.D, "Comparing Social Identity and Serious Leisure Levels of Squatchin' Participants" (2017). University Presentation Showcase Event. 9.
https://encompass.eku.edu/swps/2017/graduate/9
Abstract
A form of recreation that has long been misunderstood in this world is the activity of searching for one of the great legends of North America. This activity is none other than Bigfooting. For the purposes of this research, the term “Bigfooting” refers to spending any amount of time outdoors researching this creature. There is a population choosing this recreation endeavor, however, no professional research has been conducted on the segment of the population in the woods at night attempting to make contact with Bigfoot(s). Inquiries were made into the Bigfooting community and a survey distributed to measure the seriousness and demographics of the Bigfooter. From this research researchers learned that the Bigfooting group is a diverse one, and their levels of seriousness vary. Results gathered to this point shows that it does not take many experiences to affect someone’s life, and push them towards research. Many individuals do not identify strongly as a Bigfooter, and yet it is still a part of their identity. It appears that the average Bigfooter has been doing so for about 10 years, and is willing to overcome any obstacles in their path, meaning they are fairly serious about their recreational quest to find Bigfoot.
Presentation format
Poster
Poster Number
023
Comparing Social Identity and Serious Leisure Levels of Squatchin' Participants
A form of recreation that has long been misunderstood in this world is the activity of searching for one of the great legends of North America. This activity is none other than Bigfooting. For the purposes of this research, the term “Bigfooting” refers to spending any amount of time outdoors researching this creature. There is a population choosing this recreation endeavor, however, no professional research has been conducted on the segment of the population in the woods at night attempting to make contact with Bigfoot(s). Inquiries were made into the Bigfooting community and a survey distributed to measure the seriousness and demographics of the Bigfooter. From this research researchers learned that the Bigfooting group is a diverse one, and their levels of seriousness vary. Results gathered to this point shows that it does not take many experiences to affect someone’s life, and push them towards research. Many individuals do not identify strongly as a Bigfooter, and yet it is still a part of their identity. It appears that the average Bigfooter has been doing so for about 10 years, and is willing to overcome any obstacles in their path, meaning they are fairly serious about their recreational quest to find Bigfoot.
