IDENTITY FORMATION AND SELF-ACTUALIZATION IN THE IMMERSIVE SUBCULTURE OF THE 2015 PHOENIX COMICON

Over the span of little more than a decade, Phoenix Comicon has grown from its inception and unknown status to a nationally recognized event drawing 75,501 attendees in 2015.  Using serious leisure and specialization theory, ethnographic research reveals the formation of individual identities and engagement methods with this sub-cultural phenomenon.   In this case study research, seven interview participants provided in-depth accounts of their interests, experiences, and involvement with Phoenix Comicon.  These reports demonstrate a high level of recognition with theory components, yielding a total 329 markers across all interview transcripts.  The results match theory limitations, in that, participants may be engaged in serious leisure independent of length of involvement.  However, long-term participation is linked to potential for deeper investment in a leisure activity and participants reporting greater personal fulfilment are associated with serious leisure principles such as: significant effort, occasional adversity, and durable benefits.