Adolescent male reading habits and attitudes : factors influencing reading among year 9 and 12 students

Abstract

What are the reading habits and attitudes of adolescent males? What influences their reading choices? There is a paucity of research examining the reading habits and attitudes of adolescents, especially within a New Zealand setting. This study aimed to bridge this knowledge void, thereby recommending strategies to improve adolescent reading habits and attitudes. A cross-sectional, quantitative survey questionnaire was administered to 74 randomly chosen 14-year-old and 17-year-old boys. Statistical analysis of the data revealed that the reading habits of New Zealand adolescent boys compared favourably with adolescent boys from other countries. Significant differences were shown between the younger and older boys' preferred reading genres and materials. Older adolescents preferred factual reading matter while younger adolescents showed a strong preference for adventure fiction. The adolescents' attitudes towards reading were not markedly affected by their reading ability or by the gender of the main story character. However, reading was significantly less popular as a leisure activity amongst the older adolescents. Setting aside time to read was an issue for most adolescents. The school library was a significant source of recreational reading material for the adolescents in this study. The high socio-economic status of the boys' families afforded significant levels of book ownership and magazine purchase, as well as high levels of access to reading material at home. Parents provided strong role models by reading a variety of materials and were influential in discussing and encouraging their son's