Do more involved trail runners feel happier? An application PERMA model

This paper examined the involvement of trail runners and compared their level of subjective well-being, measured with the holistic approach of the PERMA profiler (Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment) in the different stages of the Psychological Continuum Model (PCM). Four hundred and three (N = 403) trail runners participated in the study and filled out the Leisure Involvement and the PERMA questionnaires. Following a stage-based segmentation algorithm, the trail runners were categorised into the stages of PCM. The results of the multivariate analysis indicated that runners’ PERMA scores increased with the advancing through the PCM stages. Runners in the Allegiance stage reported the highest PERMA scores compared with the runners in the other two stages in all the PERMA pillars. The post hoc paired comparisons revealed statistically significant differences for almost all the pairs. The results indicated that more involved trail runners reported higher PERMA scores. These findings provide empirical evidence for trail running as the key for improving connection with oneself, others and nature, and support the value of integrating ‘serious leisure’ in strategies for promoting individual well-being and collective social welfare.