Abstract

Purpose: This study attempts to investigate causal and intervening conditions for sport participation of Korean immigrants in the United States. Research design, data, and methodology: Grounded theory approach was used to develop a conceptual framework that presents the psychosocial processes that occur in immigrants' experience of sport participation. Participants were selected purposefully for information-rich cases. Korean immigrants with current experience of having periodically participated in sports were the criterion for sample selection. Based on selection criteria, 9 Korean immigrants took part in interview. The interview discussions were taped and transcribed verbatim into a Word file. The process for data analysis included four grounded theory approaches of purposive and theoretical sampling, an open and axial coding, memo writing, and finally the development of the conceptual framework. Results: Six concepts were revealed in the causal conditions that facilitate the process of immigrants' sport participation in the states: Personal experience, significant others, personality, physical environment, psychological well-being, and social connection. Three concepts were revealed as the intervening conditions that block the process of immigrants' sport participation in the states: Conflict with cultural change of organization, Pressure at workplace, and Economic constraints. Conclusions: Conceptual model presents causal and intervening factors. Further implications were discussed.