A study on the leisure of individuals engaging in physical activity: testing a structural model from boredom to happiness

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Siyahtas A., ÇAVUŞOĞLU S. B.

PODIUM-SPORT LEISURE AND TOURISM REVIEW, cilt.15, 2026 (ESCI)

Özet

Study objective: The objective of this study is to examine the structural relationships between levels of boredom, satisfaction, engagement, and happiness in individuals who engage in physical activity during their leisure time. Methodology/approach: The sample group, collected between May and July 2023 using the relational research model, was selected by simple random sampling (n = 646). The conceptual model developed for this study was tested using path analysis within the framework of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Originality/Relevance: This study addresses a theoretical gap in the fragmented treatment of leisure experiences. Holistic models that integrate boredom, engagement, satisfaction, and happiness are still limited. The study seeks to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the psychological processes in leisure-time physical activity. Main results: The study found that individuals who engage in leisure-time physical activity perceived boredom to be low (2.58 +/- 0.59), while satisfaction (3.66 +/- 0.60), engagement (3.45 +/- 0.73), and happiness (3.52 +/- 0.66) levels were high. According to the results, leisure-time boredom negatively predicts happiness (beta = -0.110, 95% CI [-0.192, -0.027], p < .01). Furthermore, satisfaction and engagement in leisure-time played a significant mediating role in the relationship between boredom and happiness (beta = -0.018, 95% CI [-0.036, -0.004], p < .05). Theoretical/methodological contributions: This study makes a theoretical contribution by integrating boredom, participation, satisfaction, and happiness into a holistic structural model of leisure experiences, and shows that the negative effect of boredom on happiness during leisure is mitigated by the combined influence of engagement and satisfaction.