Chasing Extraordinary Experiences - A qualitative analysis of triathletes' identity construction through middle- and long-distance triathlon
(2026) BUSN39 20261Department of Business Administration
- Abstract
- Research Purpose: This study examines how middle- and long-distance triathletes use the
symbolic consumption of extraordinary endurance experiences to construct and communicate
their identity across the full consumption journey.
Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework of symbolic consumption by Elliott and
Wattanasuwan (1998) is used to analyse how triathletes’ use the symbolic consumption of
extraordinary experiences to construct their identity.
Methodology: This study adopts a qualitative research approach. To answer the research
question, ten semi-structured interviews with triathletes have been conducted. Data was
analysed using a flexible application of the template analysis by King and Brooks (2017).
... (More) - Research Purpose: This study examines how middle- and long-distance triathletes use the
symbolic consumption of extraordinary endurance experiences to construct and communicate
their identity across the full consumption journey.
Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework of symbolic consumption by Elliott and
Wattanasuwan (1998) is used to analyse how triathletes’ use the symbolic consumption of
extraordinary experiences to construct their identity.
Methodology: This study adopts a qualitative research approach. To answer the research
question, ten semi-structured interviews with triathletes have been conducted. Data was
analysed using a flexible application of the template analysis by King and Brooks (2017).
Findings/Conclusion: The identity construction though extraordinary endurance experiences
is an ongoing process rather than a one-time transformation. Symbolic meanings evolve as
athletes progress from beginner to experienced, with functional consumption outweighing
brand symbolism in equipment and event choice. The finish line, atmosphere and race objects
emerge as powerful symbolic identity markers bridging internal self-validation and external
social recognition.
Contribution: This study contributes to CCT literature by integrating extraordinary experience
research with symbolic consumption, demonstrating that identity construction in triathlon
extends beyond the singular race event and covers the full extraordinary experience journey. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
https://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9245957
- author
- Hamfler, Annemarie LU and Ziegler, Alina LU
- supervisor
- organization
- course
- BUSN39 20261
- year
- 2026
- type
- H1 - Master's Degree (One Year)
- subject
- keywords
- Extraordinary Experience, Identity Construction, Symbolic Consumption, Middle- and Long-Distance Triathlon, Ironman, Consumer Culture Theory (CCT), Qualitative Research
- language
- English
- id
- 9245957
- date added to LUP
- 2026-07-21 09:27:08
- date last changed
- 2026-07-21 09:27:08
@misc{9245957,
abstract = {{Research Purpose: This study examines how middle- and long-distance triathletes use the
symbolic consumption of extraordinary endurance experiences to construct and communicate
their identity across the full consumption journey.
Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework of symbolic consumption by Elliott and
Wattanasuwan (1998) is used to analyse how triathletes’ use the symbolic consumption of
extraordinary experiences to construct their identity.
Methodology: This study adopts a qualitative research approach. To answer the research
question, ten semi-structured interviews with triathletes have been conducted. Data was
analysed using a flexible application of the template analysis by King and Brooks (2017).
Findings/Conclusion: The identity construction though extraordinary endurance experiences
is an ongoing process rather than a one-time transformation. Symbolic meanings evolve as
athletes progress from beginner to experienced, with functional consumption outweighing
brand symbolism in equipment and event choice. The finish line, atmosphere and race objects
emerge as powerful symbolic identity markers bridging internal self-validation and external
social recognition.
Contribution: This study contributes to CCT literature by integrating extraordinary experience
research with symbolic consumption, demonstrating that identity construction in triathlon
extends beyond the singular race event and covers the full extraordinary experience journey.}},
author = {{Hamfler, Annemarie and Ziegler, Alina}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
title = {{Chasing Extraordinary Experiences - A qualitative analysis of triathletes' identity construction through middle- and long-distance triathlon}},
year = {{2026}},
}