Running to get “lost”? Two types of escapism in recreational running and their relations to exercise dependence and subjective well-being

Abstract

Escapism is a fundamental motivation in many forms of activity engagements. At its core, escapism is “a habitual diversion of the mind … as an escape from reality or routine”. Accordingly, escapism may entail many adaptive and maladaptive psychological antecedents, covariates, and outcomes. However, few studies have been conducted on escapism as a motivational mindset in running. Here, in a sample of recreational runners (N = 227), we applied a two-dimensional model of escapism, comprising self-expansion (adaptive escapism) and self-suppression (maladaptive escapism), and examined how they were related to exercise dependence and subjective well-being. First, confirmatory factor analyses showed that the escapism dimensions were highly diversifiable in the sample. Then, correlational analyses showed that self-expansion was positively correlated to subjective well-being, whereas self-suppression was negatively related to well-being. Self-suppression was more strongly related to exercise dependence compared to self-expansion. Finally, path analyses evidenced an explanatory role of self-expansion and self-suppression in the inverse relationship between exercise dependence and well-being. In conclusion, the present findings support escapism as a relevant framework for understanding the relationship between exercise dependence in running and subjective well-being.

The dimensional impact of escapism on users’ eCart abandonment: mediating role of attitude towards online shopping

“…In this regard, the path value between the self-suppression escapism and eCart abandonment was β = 0.09, p < 0.05, exhibiting a significantly positive relationship, supporting H1 (see Table 3). These findings corroborate the previous literature (Erdil, 2018; Hussain et al , 2021; Stenseng et al , 2021; Stenseng et al , 2023). The path value between self-expansion escapism and users’ eCart abandonment was β = –0.06, p < 0.05, showing a significantly negative relationship.…”

“…Previously, we argued that escapism motivations are associated with consumer ATS. Precisely, we discussed a positive association between self-suppression escapism and eCart abandonment (Hussain et al, 2021;Melodia et al, 2020;Stenseng et al, 2021;Stenseng et al, 2023), while a negative relationship between self-expansion escapism and eCart abandonment (Camilleri and Falzon, 2021;McLean et al, 2022). Moreover, ATS is negatively associated with eCart abandonment (Huang et al, 2018;Lee and Chow, 2020;Wu et al, 2023).…”

“…For example, Hussain et al (2021) validated that the effects of suppression motives resulted in more negative outcomes than positive ones. More recently, self-suppression negatively affected well-being (Stenseng et al , 2023). Additionally, Stenseng et al (2021) demonstrated that escapism motivations (particularly self-suppression) explain why consumers engage in avoidance coping and negative attitudes.…”

“…The self-expansion escapism motive emphasizes the anticipated psychological benefits of engaging in an activity, such as mastery, pleasant effect and self-growth (Stenseng et al , 2021). Recent literature supports that self-expansion motives induce positive outcomes, including better well-being (Stenseng et al , 2023). Online window shopping and putting favorite products into virtual carts are growth and self-development sources.…”

“…The state of the consumer’s mind and emotions determines whether a consumer will purchase a product or abandon the decision (Peng and Chen, 2021). However, consumers’ self-escapism is a key intrinsic motive that has been under-investigated in the consumer behavior context (Stenseng et al , 2023; Stephen et al , 2021), particularly eCart abandonment. Recognizing the importance of consumers’ emotional states in decision-making, this study contributes to existing knowledge by adding escapism motives as intrinsic factors affecting eCart abandonment.…”