Mediating Effect of Leisure Satisfaction on the Relationship Between Leisure Benefits and Life Satisfaction in Exercise Participants

Understanding the benefits of participating in leisure activities can help individuals allocate their time to meaningful activities, positively influencing their physical and mental health, social relationships, work productivity, self-satisfaction, and overall life quality. This study examined life satisfaction as a well-being concept, introducing leisure satisfaction as a mediator between leisure benefits and life satisfaction. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was conducted with 751 exercise participants. The mediator role of leisure satisfaction aimed to clarify the influence of leisure experiences on overall life satisfaction. To explore these relationships, two conceptual models were tested using SEM with samples of individuals engaging in physical activity during their leisure time. In the first model, the direct relationship between leisure benefits and life satisfaction was analysed, yielding a regression coefficient of .28 (p=.000; t=3.89). In the second model, leisure satisfaction was included as a mediator. Results showed regression coefficients of .67 (p=.000; t=9.59) for the relationship between leisure benefits and leisure satisfaction, and .38 (p=.000; t=3.64) for the relationship between leisure satisfaction and life satisfaction. These findings support a full mediation role of leisure satisfaction in the link between leisure benefits and life satisfaction. The results highlight the importance of fostering enriching leisure experiences to enhance individuals’ satisfaction and happiness. Future research could further investigate the direct and indirect effects of various leisure perceptions on different dimensions of well-being.