Moderating Effects of Demographic Factors on the Relationship Between Leisure Satisfaction and Happiness : The Necessity of Customized Leisure Policies

This study aimed to examine the relationship between leisure satisfaction and happiness, and to investigate the moderating effects of demographic factors in this relationship. To achieve this, data from a total of 9,559 adults aged 20 and over, collected from the 2022 National Leisure Activity Survey, were utilized. Leisure satisfaction was set as the independent variable, happiness as the dependent variable, and demographic factors (age, gender, education level, household income) as moderating variables. Regression analysis was conducted for each moderating variable. The results showed that age, education level, and income level significantly moderated the relationship between leisure satisfaction and happiness. Specifically, as age increased, and as education and income levels decreased, the relationship between leisure satisfaction and happiness became stronger. Unlike previous studies that primarily treated demographic factors as control variables in examining the relationship between leisure satisfaction and happiness, this study directly examined the moderating roles of demographic factors, providing scientific evidence for the necessity of establishing tailored leisure policies based on life cycle and social class.