THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LEISURE ATTITUDE AND HAPPINESS: THE MEDIATING EFFECT OF RECREATIONAL FLOW EXPERIENCE

With technological advancements reducing workload, individuals have increasingly sought to spend their leisure time more efficiently and meaningfully. This trend has fostered a growing positive attitude toward recreational activities. Individuals who approach recreational events with a positive mindset are more likely to experience a state of flow during these activities. The flow experience contributes to individuals' physical, mental, and social well-being by generating positive outcomes. In this context, the study examines the relationship between leisure attitude and happiness among participants in nature sports, with flow experience identified as a mediating variable in this relationship. The research was conducted using a correlational survey model, involving 246 voluntary participants aged 18–74 (Meanage = 31.15 ± 11.93) selected through purposive sampling method. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software, applying Pearson correlation analysis to examine the relationships between variables, and regression analysis based on the Bootstrap method through the PROCESS macro. Hayes’ (2013) PROCESS Macro Model 4 was used to assess the mediating effect. The findings revealed a statistically significant relationship between leisure attitude and happiness, with flow experience serving as a mediator in this relationship. These results indicate that individuals' attitudes toward leisure activities significantly influence their happiness and that the flow experience enhances this effect.