From serious leisure to passionate pastime: expanding the conceptual landscape

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper introduces ‘passionate pastime’ as a complementary concept to the Serious Leisure Perspective (SLP). It adds a new layer to the initial model to capture the affective aspects of leisure pursuits and enhance its comprehensiveness and clarity. The paper employs Rodgers’ evolutionary concept analysis method to expand the conceptual landscape in this area. The proposed term moves away from the activity-oriented nature of serious leisure and focuses on an experience-oriented perspective. It has an episodic structure that includes three phases: pre-, during, and post-engagement. The pre-engagement phase is characterised by curiosity, enthusiasm, and anticipation. During the engagement, the enthusiasts immerse themselves in the activity and usually experience joy, a sense of fulfilment, and flow. They also make new social connections or maintain old bonds within their communities of interest. The post-engagement phase enables them to reflect, learn, and enjoy their achievements. These phases form a continuous cycle of engagement and explain the transformative potential of leisure in enhancing overall wellbeing. Passionate pastime is more inclusive than serious leisure because many people may engage in leisure activities enthusiastically, but their engagement may not fit the concept of serious leisure, which implies intense commitment and skill development.