Analysis of the relationship between leisure satisfaction and life satisfaction among students participating in outdoor recreational activities

Background and Study Aim. Participation in outdoor recreational activities contributes to psychological well-being and overall life satisfaction. Since leisure satisfaction is closely associated with quality of life, examining this relationship can offer valuable insights into the role of recreation in academic settings. The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between students' life satisfaction and leisure satisfaction during outdoor recreational activities. Material and Methods. The study group consisted of 647 willing participants (413 men and 234 women) randomly selected from a larger pool of university students who engage in various leisure activities during their free time. Researchers utilized a personal information form, the Leisure Satisfaction Scale (LSS), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) as data collection instruments. The data were analyzed using frequency analysis, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, independent samples t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation. Results. The t-test results showed no significant differences between gender and the sub-dimensions of the LSS and SWLS. The ANOVA test revealed that students in the Recreation Department scored higher on average compared to those in the Coaching Education and Sports Management departments in the LSS sub-dimensions. Additionally, students in the Physical Education and Sports Teaching Department scored higher on the SWLS compared to those in the Coaching Education Department. A statistically significant difference was found between the mean scores of the LSS's Curriculum and Instruction, Social, Physiological, and Aesthetic components based on the variable of sports participation. Students who participated in sports for leisure scored higher. Furthermore, as levels of life satisfaction increased, levels of leisure satisfaction also increased. Conclusions. Engaging in leisure activities contributes to higher levels of life satisfaction by fulfilling psychological and social needs. The findings suggest that participation in outdoor recreational activities can positively influence well-being, helping students manage stress, develop social connections, and improve their overall quality of life. Encouraging leisure activities within academic environments may serve as an effective strategy for enhancing both personal and academic outcomes.