Young People's Use of Leisure Time and Happiness: A Recreational Perspective

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between recreation benefit awareness levels and happiness levels of university students studying at the Faculty of Sports Sciences from a recreational perspective. The research was designed using a quantitative research approach based on the relational (correlational) survey model. The sample of the study consists of a total of 328 students studying at the Faculty of Sports Sciences at Manisa Celal Bayar University during the 2025–2026 academic year, who participated in the research on a voluntary basis. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Recreation Benefit Scale, and the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire–Short Form. In addition to descriptive statistics, Independent Samples t-test, ANOVA, MANOVA, and Pearson correlation analysis were employed in the data analysis. The findings revealed positive and moderate significant relationships between the physical, psychological, and social benefits perceived from recreational activities and students’ happiness levels. In conclusion, the findings indicate that perceived recreational benefits are positively associated with individuals’ psychological well-being, social relationships, and happiness levels. Therefore, encouraging university students to spend their leisure time engaging in conscious and high-quality recreational activities may contribute positively to their overall well-being and happiness.