Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on individuals: importance of work, leisure and life satisfaction

This study employs the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) framework to examine the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on life satisfaction, leisure, and work significance. Using the structural equation modelling (SEM), it empirically assesses the direct and indirect effects of the pandemic on these factors. Findings indicate that COVID-19 pandemic indirectly reduces life satisfaction, leisure, and work importance. The study highlights more significant direct impacts, aligning with the overall pattern of effects. As COVID-19 pandemic restrictions intensify, life satisfaction and the importance of leisure increase, while the importance of work declines significantly. Notably, leisure and work significance partially mediate the relationship between COVID-19 pandemic and life satisfaction. Despite indirect effects, the direct influence remains substantial, underscoring the complex dynamics in the context of the pandemic.