engleski

Do Adults Play?

The aim of this research was to find out which games adults play and how adults contemplate playing. The research implemented both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. In the quantitative part, 450 participants from various countries were surveyed using comprehensive online questionnaires (in English), which contained various measures of well-being, playing habits, and personality traits. For the purpose of the current study, we analysed the types of games adults play, frequency of play, and playmates. The qualitative part of the research was conducted on 20 adults (in Croatian), who were briefly interviewed about their playing habits and motivation to/not to play. This sample included 10 men and 10 women, aged 40–60. The results of the interviews showed that adults in Croatia do not play very often – on average just a few times per month. Most frequently, they play with children, grandchildren, or pets. Some solitary activities, such as solving puzzles or crosswords, they do not interpret as play, although about ¼ of them engage in such tasks on a regular basis. Similarly, about ¼ of them play computer games. Board games and parlour games are usually played only on special occasions (e.g., Christmas, birthday celebrations, etc.). Most of the participants stated that they would like to play more and that they miss playing. The main reason for not playing was a shortage of time, but a minority also stated that they “don’t play because they have to do serious things” and that “play is for children”. The main motivation to play was to have fun or to entertain others (children, animals). An analysis of the history of their play showed that all participants played on a daily basis before their teens ; during high school and college the dominant forms of play were sports, art, party and card games, and after this period, the frequency of all types of play declined.

Play ; Adults ; Motivation

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