Differences in Gender of Adolescents’ Leisure Time Satisfaction in Slovakia: Do adolescent boys participate in more physical activity than girls?

Background and purpose Adolescents’ leisure time satisfaction plays an important role in development (their), influencing academic success, self-esteem, and/or well-being. Structured leisure is associated with higher satisfaction, while unstructured is associated with health problems (mental). Study aims to examine adolescents’ leisure time satisfaction in Slovakia; in particular, differences in gender. Material and methods 20-item survey was carried out 10 weeks (January 1 – March 10, 2024), targeting 2764 Slovak adolescents (41.98% boys, and 58.02% girls) aged 17.4–17.6 years. 20-item survey, adapted for study, examined the Slovak adolescents’ leisure time satisfaction across 5 sections; in particular, active leisure, passive leisure, education leisure, leisure caring, and social leisure, and by means of Assumption of Homogeneity of Variance and Independent Samples, 2-Sample T-Test, and Anova, of which the significance level (p) was 0.01 and 0.05 (Ibm Spss Modeler). Results Adolescent boys and girls reported moderate satisfaction in leisure time (boys: 3.44, girls: 3.48); however, significant (p) differences in gender were in specific sections of leisure. Adolescent boys reported higher satisfaction in active leisure (2.80 vs. 2.36; p < 0.01), while girls reported higher satisfaction in passive leisure (3.66 vs. 3.30; p < 0.01), leisure education (2.66 vs. 2.46; p < 0.01), leisure caring (2.56 vs. 2.36; p < 0.01), and social leisure (2.30 vs. 2. 14, p < 0.01). Results (our) indicate that adolescent girls derive (more) satisfaction from leisure that involve learning, nurturing, and social interaction. Conclusions It (study) highlights significant (p) differences in gender in adolescents’ leisure time satisfaction, as is shaped by social norms and preferences of adolescents. Adolescent boys seek autonomy and competence in active pursuits, while girls prioritize emotional connection and engagement in social leisure and leisure caring. Results (our) emphasize needs of gender-inclusive leisure programs that encourage diverse participation and/or address cultural (social) barriers.