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

Background and Personal identity is the sense of being distinct from other individuals, which is of paramount importance during adolescence. Modern theories suggest that young adults perceive personal identity in different ways, and several factors affect this phenomenon. Leisure time activities are a significant element during adolescence. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between identity styles and leisure activities in adolescents. This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 370 high school students in Birjand, Iran in 2013.Students were selected via stratified two-stage random sampling. Data were collected using Identity Style Inventory (ISI-6G, Berzonsky) including domains of informational, normative, diffuse-avoidant and commitment identity styles, and leisure time questionnaire including indices of 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 considered significant. In this study, a significant positive correlation was found between diffuse avoidant/informational identity styles and use of internet (P<0.05), informational style and use of space (P=0.01), normative style and leisure activities (P=0.02) and commitment style with different products (P=0.03). Moreover, a significant negative correlation was observed between commitment identity style and use of internet (P=0.02). According to the results of this study, leisure time activities have a remarkable effect on identity styles of adolescents. Therefore, families and organizations concerned with adolescence affairs should monitor quality of leisure activities in teenagers.