Keywords
family volunteering, family deepening, family leisure, family strengths, purposive leisure
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the familial impact of participating in a family service expedition. Grounded theory methodology was used. Five families were identified through a criteria-based snowball sampling technique. Based on the data analyses, a core category emerged that encapsulated the meaning and impact of the family service expedition. It was given the description of "family deepening." Emerging theory indicated that experiences that were unique; shared, interactive; purposive; challenging; and required sacrifice contributed to the process of family deepening. The process encompassed and surpassed what was previously captured by the concepts of family strengths, purposive leisure, or family leisure. The deepening process appeared to positively and significantly impact many aspects of the families' lives. These families described a profound process that began, sometimes unwillingly in the early planning stages, culminated in an extended service experience that impacted themselves and others, and continued to define and influence the entire identity of the family for many years to come.
Original Publication Citation
Palmer, A., Freeman, P., & Zabriskie, R. (2007). Family deepening: A qualitative inquiry into the experience of families who participate in service expeditions. Journal of Leisure Research, 39(3), 438-458.
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Palmer, Alexis A.; Freeman, Patti A.; and Zabriskie, Ramon B., "Family Deepening: A Qualitative Inquiry into the Experience of Families Who Participate in Service Expeditions" (2007). Faculty Publications. 8848.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/facpub/8848
Document Type
Peer-Reviewed Article
Publication Date
2007
Publisher
Journal of Leisure Research
Language
English
College
Marriott School of Business
Department
Experience Design and Management
Copyright Use Information
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