Associations Between Arts Engagement and Well-Being, Happiness and Life Satisfaction in Hong Kong Adults: A Cross-Sectional, Household-Based Survey

Abstract Though arts engagement (AE) has been a contributor to well-being in the Western samples, large-scale population-based studies are rare in the Eastern context. The present study aimed to examine the prevalence of AE and the associations between AE and well-being in Chinese-speaking general population. A cross-sectional survey recruited a household-based sample of 2200 residents (Mean age = 44.6 years, 55.6% female) between December 2021 and April 2022 in Hong Kong. The participants completed measures on AE, well-being (physical health, happiness, social relationships, and life satisfaction), and socio-demographic covariates. AE was analyzed as a two-part variable on AE participation (binary part) and frequency (continuous part). Propensity score approach was used to estimate the associations between AE participation and frequency and well-being under structural equation modeling. Subgroup interaction analysis was conducted to explore effect heterogeneity across gender, urbanicity, and chronic conditions. Males and residents with chronic conditions showed lower participation and frequency in AE than females and healthy residents, respectively. Availability of leisure and cultural facilities was significantly associated with greater AE frequency. Higher AE participation and frequency showed significant positive associations on happiness, social relationships, and life satisfaction. These associations were stronger in females and residents with chronic conditions than their counterparts. Our findings support beneficial associations between AE and well-being in conventional households in Hong Kong. The salient role of AE among females and chronic conditions has potential implications on using arts to promote well-being in these subgroups.