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What is Health and Human Development?

Diverse fields of study that share one
common goal: enriching the lives of others.

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John Dattilo
Professor
Summary Statement

The purpose of my research is to understand ways to support people who encounter challenges to experiencing leisure. I teach about inclusive leisure services, leisure philosophy and theories, and research methods.

Department
  • Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management - RPTM
  • Undergraduate Program
  • Graduate Program
  • Community Health and Well-Being
  • DEIB Committee
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Education
  • Ph.D., Leisure Studies, University of Illinois, 1984
  • M.S., Recreation, University of Arizona, 1981
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Phone
Email
Office Address
The Pennsylvania State University
814A Donald H. Ford Building
University Park, PA 16802
Fax
814-867-1751
Interests
  • As a learner: to understand people’s perceptions about leisure, constraints to leisure and ways to negotiate constraints
  • As a facilitator: to develop and examine effects of leisure education programs for people experiencing challenges in their leisure
  • As a reviewer: to synthesize work others and I have done to develop models of understanding, including such concepts as leisure education and inclusive leisure services
  • As a philosopher: to conduct philosophical inquiries associated with leisure engagement
  • As an educator: to disseminate ideas that encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and ethical actions
Grants and Research Projects
  • Effects of interventions on self-determination of people with disabilities and older adults relative to their leisure involvement
  • Philosophical examination of connections between power, leisure, inclusion, and social justice
  • Inclusive leisure services best practices