HEDONIC AND EUDAIMONIC VALUES IN SPORT PARTICIPATION OF THE YOUTH

Abstract

The aim of this study is to present the hedonic and eudaimonic value preferences for the youth Lithuanian participants and non-participants in sport. Participants of this study were 345 school children, 16–18 years of age. Self-report questionnaire consisted of S. H. Schwartz’s Value Survey, questions about socio-demographic characteristics, information about activity in sports and questions about expectations of the career in sport. The results revealed that eudaimonic values are more expressed in females than males. Secondly, young people that are participating in sports have more strongly expressed values compared to non-participants, and also, engagement in sport’s activities is driven by both – eudaimonic and hedonic values. Finally, expectations of young people’s career in sport are associated with personal growth and development (the eudemonic approach), as well as achievement and recognition (the hedonic approach). The implications for interventions are discussed.