A self-determination theory perspective on the association between the childhood home reading environment and Canadian young adult leisure reading

ABSTRACT Despite the numerous lifelong benefits associated with continued leisure reading, adult reading habits are steadily declining (Statistics Canada, 2019). The purpose of this study was to understand how the recalled childhood home reading environment, and the associated psychological need-satisfaction, were related to young adults’ leisure reading beliefs and practices. Based on Self Determination Theory (Ryan & Deci, 2017), we used recalled basic psychological need-satisfaction during parent-child shared reading experiences as a reflection of the degree of intrinsic reading motivation support. We collected data from 214 Canadian young adults (age 18–29). Almost all participants reported some degree of leisure reading. Moreover, we found that home reading environment may significantly contribute to the development and reinforcement of positive reading attitudes, identities and habits. Basic psychological need-satisfaction only partially mediate the relationship between home reading environment and current reading identity. These results are discussed in terms of implications for both researchers and parents.