Evaluation of the relationship between identity styles and leisure time activities in adolescents

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Personal identity is the sense of being distinct from other individuals, which is of paramount importanceduring adolescence. Modern theories suggest that young adults perceive personal identity in different ways, and several factors affectthis phenomenon. Leisure time activities are a significant element during adolescence. This study aimed to evaluate the relationshipbetween identity styles and leisure activities in adolescents.Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 370 high school students in Birjand, Iran in 2013.Students wereselected via stratified two-stage random sampling. Data were collected using Identity Style Inventory (ISI-6G, Berzonsky) includingdomains of informational, normative, diffuse-avoidant and commitment identity styles, and leisure time questionnaire including indicesof different products, activities, spaces and internet use, in leisure time. Data analysis was performed using student’s T-test, Mann-Whitney, one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallisand Spearman’s correlation-coefficient, and P value of less than 0.05 was consideredsignificant.Results: In this study, a significant positive correlation was found between diffuse-avoidant/informational identity styles and use ofinternet (P