Examining subjective leisure experiences and well-being amongst university students during COVID-19

Abstract

ABSTRACT There are many claims in scholarship about the associations between leisure and well-being. However, empirical research is needed to disentangle various conceptualizations and operationalizations of the concepts. This study tested nuanced associations between various indicators of leisure and well-being among a sample of emerging adults (n = 2,537). This study occurred early during the COVID-19 pandemic and indicators accounted for the context of adversity. As expected, all associations between self-reported indicators, namely subjective experiences (mindfulness, flow) and well-being (meaning in life, post-traumatic growth), were positive and significant, but varied in size. Findings suggest that different processes may be involved in the promotion of well-being. Mindfulness may be helpful to finding meaning in life because the practice can help to identify personal value and avoid judgment about aspects out of one’s control. Flow might be beneficial as a coping mechanism for individuals dealing with adversity. Future research is needed to examine causal relations among indicators.