Time Pressure as a Barrier to Adult Play: The Roles of Play Guilt, Playfulness, and Stress

Authors: Lars Ellwanger, Doug Maynard

SUNY Campus: SUNY New Paltz

Presentation Type: Oral

Location: UUW 325

Presentation #: 10

Timeslot: Session D 3:00-4:00 PM

Abstract: Play is an important part in the lives of many people. It has substantial social, cognitive, and physical benefits, but we think that adults are not getting enough play. This study investigates chronic time pressure as a potential barrier to adult play, emphasizing the roles of play guilt, perceived stress, and playfulness. We define play guilt as an “emotional state characterized by negative thoughts and feelings about engaging in enjoyable play activities instead of spending time in a more “productive manner”” As part of this study, a new scale was developed to measure this construct. A sample of 258 U.S. adults completed an online survey which assessed chronic time pressure, perceived stress, play guilt, and playfulness. Results showed that chronic time pressure significantly reduced play fulfillment both directly and indirectly. Chronic time pressure was associated with higher levels of perceived stress, which in turn was associated with lower levels of play fulfillment. Play guilt was a significant emotional response to time pressure but did not significantly mediate the relationship on play fulfilment. Further, trait playfulness was explored to be a potential moderator of negative outcomes on play fulfillment. This research provides initial validation of a newly developed play guilt scale, and highlights chronic time pressure and stress being barriers, limiting adult’s engagement and fulfillment in beneficial play activities. Future research should continue investigating the role of play guilt and additional factors in shaping the play experiences of adults. Additionally, more research broadly on adult play is needed.