Leisure Management and Mental Well-Being: A Study of Recreational Athletes
Abstract views: 64
/ 
PDF downloads: 19
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70736/2958.8332.kosalb.60Keywords:
Leisure Time, Time Management, Mental Well-Being, Recreational SportsAbstract
Study aim(s): The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of leisure time management on mental well-being among individuals engaged in recreational sports and to examine whether this relationship differs according to gender, marital status, education level, and purpose of recreational participation.
Methods: A correlational survey model was employed. The study sample consisted of 391 individuals participating in recreational sports (193 women and 198 men). Data were collected using a Demographic Information Form, the Leisure Time Management Scale, and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis were performed.
Results: Women reported higher levels of leisure time management and mental well-being compared to men. Married individuals scored higher than single individuals on both variables. Participants with postgraduate education demonstrated higher leisure time management scores than all other educational groups and higher mental those well-being scores than those with high school or undergraduate education. Individuals who participated in recreational activities for mental health purposes have higher leisure time management levels than other groups, whereas those participating for physical health purposes had the lowest scores. Leisure time management was found to explain 41.7% of the variance in mental well-being.
Conclusion: Leisure time management has a strong and positive impact on individuals' mental well-being. Higher levels are particularly observed among women, married individuals, and postgraduate graduates. Participation in recreational activities for the purpose of mental well-being is more advantageous than for other purposes. These findings show that effective leisure time management is an important factor in supporting mental health and that recreation-based interventions can be used to enhance mental well-being.
References
World Health Organization. Global status report on physical activity 2022 [Internet]. Geneva: WHO; 2022 [cited 2025 Oct 30]. Available from: https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/363607.
Ipsos. Ipsos World Mental Health Day Report 2024: A 31-country Ipsos Global Advisor Survey [Internet]. 2024 Oct 15 [cited 2025 Oct 30]. Available from: https://www.ipsos.com/en/ipsos-world-mental-health-day-report-2024.
Biddle S. Physical activity and mental health. Champaign (IL): Human Kinetics; 2016.
Downward P, Rasciute S. Does sport make you happy? An analysis of the well-being derived from sports participation. Int Rev Appl Econ. 2011;25(3):331–348. https://doi.org/10.1080/02692171.2010.511168.
Eime RM, Young JA, Harvey JT, Charity MJ, Payne WR. A systematic review of the psychological and social benefits of participation in sport for children and adolescents: Informing development of a conceptual model of health through sport. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2013;10(1):98. https://doi.org/10.1186/1479-5868-10-98.
Pepe K, Can S. Beden eğitimi ve spor öğretmenlerinin boş zaman etkinlikleri hakkında görüşleri ve katılım düzeyleri. Beden Eğitimi ve Spor Bilimleri Dergisi. 2003;5(3). (In Turkish).
Yetiş Ü. Kamu kuruluşlarında çalışan devlet memurlarının boş zaman faaliyetlerini değerlendirme alışkanlıkları [master’s thesis]. Ankara: Gazi Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Enstitüsü; 2000. (In Turkish).
Holder M, Coleman B, Sehn Z. The contribution of active and passive leisure to children's well-being. J Health Psychol. 2009;14(3):378–386. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105308101676.
Joudrey AD, Wallace JE. Leisure as a coping resource: A test of the job demand-control-support model. Human Relations. 2009;62(2):195–217. https://doi.org/10.1177/0018726708100357.
Hadad S, Ramadan A, Mohamed N. Mental health and leisure time management of university students. Egypt Nurs J. 2024;21(1):85-92. https://doi.org/10.4103/enj.enj_9_24.
Karagöz Ş, Dinç H, Kaya DG. Self-leadership and leisure management of sports science students in the online education process. Int J Technol Educ. 2022;5(2):206–220. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijte.282.
Ayhan C, Yalçınkaya N. The effect of recreational step aerobik exercises on perceived stress and happiness in women. Akdeniz Spor Bilimleri Dergisi. 2023;6(1):495–504. https://doi.org/10.38021/asbid.1368929 (In Turkish).
Wijndaele K, Matton L, Duvigneaud N, Lefevre J, Bourdeaudhuij I, Duquet W, et al. Association between leisure time physical activity and stress, social support and coping: A cluster-analytical approach. Psychol Sport Exerc. 2007;8(4):425–440. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2006.08.001.
Yalçın İ, Ayhan C. Sportif rekreasyonel etkinliklere katılan kadınlarda fiziksel görünüş mükemmeliyetçiliği ve psikolojik iyi oluşun öz güven üzerine etkisi. Spormetre Beden Eğitimi ve Spor Bilimleri Dergisi. 2020;18(1):205–212. https://doi.org/10.33689/spormetre.625218 (In Turkish).
Durhan AT, Akgül B, Karaküçük S. Rekreatif amaçlı yüzme sporuyla uğraşan bireylerin boş zaman yönetimleri üzerine bir değerlendirme. Atatürk Üniversitesi Beden Eğitimi ve Spor Bilimleri Dergisi. 2017;19(4):8–16. (In Turkish).
Forsyth DK, Catley B. Time management and the full-time sportsperson: Increasing individual perceptions of time control. Int J Sports Sci Coach. 2007;2(3):305–317. https://doi.org/10.1260/174795407782233119.
Takiguchi Y, Matsui M, Kikutani M, Ebina K. The relationship between leisure activities and mental health: The impact of resilience and COVID‐19. Appl Psychol Health Well Being. 2022;15(1):133-151. https://doi.org/10.1111/aphw.12394.
Caldwell LL, Witt P. Leisure, recreation and play from a developmental context. New Dir Youth Dev. 2011;2011(130):13–27. https://doi.org/10.1002/yd.394.
Onishi J, Masuda Y, Suzuki Y, Gotoh T, Kawamura T, Iguchi A. The pleasurable recreational activities among community-dwelling older adults. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2006;43(2):147–155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2005.10.003.
Macan TH. Time management: Test of a process model. J Appl Psychol. 1994;79(3):381–391. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-9010.79.3.381.
Claessens BJ, Van Eerde W, Rutte CG, Roe RA. A review of the time management literature. Personnel Rev. 2007;36(2):255-276. https://doi.org/10.1108/00483480710726136.
Iso-Ahola SE, Crowley ED. Adolescent substance abuse and leisure boredom. J Leis Res. 1991;23(3):260–271. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222216.1991.11969857.
Chu J, Dai YY. Extending the UTAUT model to study the acceptance behavior of MOOCs by university students and the moderating roles of free time management and leisure-study conflict. Int J Technol Human Interact. 2021;17(4):35–57. https://doi.org/10.4018/IJTHI.2021100103.
Güler M. Beden eğitimi öğretmenlerinin zaman yönetimi becerileri ile iş doyumu arasındaki ilişkinin incelenmesi [Yüksek lisans tezi]. Kocaeli: Kocaeli Üniversitesi, Sağlık Bilimleri Enstitüsü; 2018. (In Turkish).
Kıran Z, Ballı ÖM, İlhan A. Fiziksel aktivite yapma durumlarına göre üniversite öğrencilerinin zaman yönetimi becerileri. Spormetre Beden Eğitimi ve Spor Bilimleri Dergisi. 2019;17(3):237–244. https://doi.org/10.33689/spormetre.535221 (In Turkish).
Wang WC, Wu CY, Wu CC. Free time management makes better retirement: A case study of retirees’ quality of life in Taiwan. Appl Res Qual Life. 2014;9(3):591–604. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11482-013-9256-4.
Yağar G, Cerit E, Ünlü Ç. Spor bilimleri fakültesi öğrencilerinin boş zaman yönetimi ve sıkılma algılarının incelenmesi. Hitit Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi. 2023;16(1):255–266. https://doi.org/10.17218/hititsbd.1274311 (In Turkish).
Bloom J. 1635b Making leisure work: Leisure crafting as active recovery from stressful work. Occup Environ Med. 2018;75(Suppl 1):A595. https://doi.org/10.1136/OEMED-2018-ICOHABSTRACTS.1695.
Sonnentag S, Fritz C. The recovery experience questionnaire: Development and validation of a measure for assessing recuperation and unwinding from work. J Occup Health Psychol. 2007;12(3):204-221.
Nikolić T. Owning one's time: Balancing online learning and leisure. Andragoške studije. 2022;(2):47-59. https://doi.org/10.5937/andstud2202047n.
Synowiec-Piłat M, Jędrzejek M, Pałęga A, Zmyślona B. Work-life (im)balance? The amount of leisure of Wroclaw adults in the context of health promotion. Health Promot Int. 2020;36(4):1084-1094. https://doi.org/10.1093/heapro/daaa109.
Pandey A, Chopra A, Karve S. Mental wellbeing and recreational sports – Two together for a healthy win - Implications for higher education institutions. Asia Pac J Health Manag. 2023;18(1):234-242. https://doi.org/10.24083/apjhm.v18i1.2239.
Duran ÜB, Güler C, Çavuşoğlu SB. Tenis oyuncularında boş zaman yönetimi ve yaşam doyumu. TURAN: Stratejik Araştırmalar Merkezi. 2020;12(48):302–313. (In Turkish).
Kulualp HG, Demir A. Silindirin üç yüzü: Zaman yönetimi, iş stresi ve yaşam doyumu. Ekonomi İşletme ve Yönetim Dergisi. 2022;6(2):182–208. (In Turkish).
Su İH, Yıldırım İ. Emeklilerde boş zaman yönetimi, rekreatif etkinlik katılımı ve yaşam doyumunun incelenmesi. Kilis 7 Aralık Üniversitesi Beden Eğitimi ve Spor Bilimleri Dergisi. 2022;6(2):117–132. (In Turkish).
Büyüköztürk Ş, Akgün ÖE, Demirel F, Karadeniz Ş, Çakmak EK. Bilimsel araştırma yöntemleri. Ankara: Pegem Akademi; 2017. (In Turkish).
Cohen L, Manion L, Morrison K. Research methods in education. 6th ed. London: Routledge; 2007.
Wang WC, Kao CH, Huan TC, Wu CC. Free time management contributes to better quality of life: A study of undergraduate students in Taiwan. J Happiness Stud. 2011;12(4):561–573. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-010-9217-7.
Akgül BM, Karaküçük S. Free time management scale: Validity and reliability analysis. Int J Human Sci. 2015;12(2):1867. https://doi.org/10.14687/ijhs.v12i2.3445.
Tennant R, Hiller L, Fishwick R, Platt S, Joseph S, Weich S, et al. The Warwick-Edinburgh mental well-being scale (WEMWBS): Development and UK validation. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2007;5(1):50–63. https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7525-5-63.
Keldal G. Warwick-Edinburgh mental iyi oluş ölçeği’nin Türkçe formu: Geçerlik ve güvenirlik çalışması. Journal of Happiness and Well-Being. 2015;3(1):103–115. (In Turkish).
Tabachnick BG, Fidell LS. Using multivariate statistics. Boston (MA): Pearson Education; 2013.
Nelson DB, Nelson KW. Emotional intelligence skills: Significant factors in freshmen achievement and retention. Paper presented at: American Counseling Association Conference; 2003; Anaheim, CA.
Tektaş M, Necla T. Meslek yüksekokulu öğrencilerinin zaman yönetimi ve akademik başarıları arasındaki ilişki. Selçuk Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi. 2010;(23):221–229. (In Turkish).
Trueman M, Hartley J. A comparison between the time-management skills and academic performance of mature and traditional-entry university students. High Educ. 1996;32(2):199–215.
Misra R, McKean M. College students’ academic stress and its relation to their anxiety, time management, and leisure satisfaction. Am J Health Stud. 2000;16(1):41–45.
Clarke A, Friede T, Putz R, Ashdown J, Martin S, Blake A, et al. Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS): Validated for teenage school students in England and Scotland. A mixed methods assessment. BMC Public Health. 2011;11(1):487-495.
Duman N, Göksu P, Köroğlu C, Talay A. Üniversite öğrencilerinde mental iyi oluş ile psikolojik dayanıklılık ilişkisi. Yaşam Becerileri Psikoloji Dergisi. 2020;4(7):9–17. (In Turkish).
Tekkurşun Demir G, Namlı S, Hazar Z, Türkeli A, Cicioğlu İ. Bireysel ve takım sporcularının karar verme stilleri ve mental iyi oluş düzeyleri. CBÜ Beden Eğitimi ve Spor Bilimleri Dergisi. 2018;13(1):176–191. (In Turkish).
Gözel E. İlköğretim okulu öğretmenlerinin zaman yönetimi hakkındaki görüşleri [Yüksek lisans tezi]. Afyon: Afyon Kocatepe Üniversitesi, Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü; 2009. (In Turkish).
Bagi H, Ghafouri R, Ojaghihaghighi S, Ameli H. Effect of time management workshops in reducing the social procrastination among emergency medicine residents. Adv Biosci Clin Med. 2019;7(3):10-12. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.abcmed.v.7n.3p.10.
Amato PR. Marriage, cohabitation and mental health. Family Matters. 2014;(96):5–13. https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/informit.273368451744783.
Güvenç A. Beden eğitimi ve spor öğretmenlerinin psikolojik iyi oluş düzeyleri ile olumlu düşünme beceri düzeyleri arasındaki ilişki [Yüksek lisans tezi]. Karaman: Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey Üniversitesi, Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü; 2021. (In Turkish).
Kamp Dush C, Amato PR. Relationship happiness, psychological well-being, and the continuum of commitment. J Soc Pers Relat. 2005;22(5):607–628. https://doi.org/10.1177/0265407505056438.
Kim HK, McKenry PC. The relationship between marriage and psychological well-being: A longitudinal analysis. J Fam Issues. 2002;23(8):885-911.
Tel M. Öğretim üyelerinin boş zaman etkinlikleri üzerine sosyolojik bir araştırma: Doğu Anadolu örneği [doctoral thesis]. Elazığ (Turkey): Fırat Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü; 2007. (In Turkish).
Fidan Y. Özel sektör ve kamu yöneticilerinin zaman yönetimi davranışlarının karşılaştırılması. Adıyaman Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi. 2011;4(6):47-74. (In Turkish).
Tran D, Pham T, Nguyen T. Eğitimin kadınların refahı üzerindeki etkisi: Avustralya'dan kanıtlar. PLoS ONE. 2021;16(3):e0247765. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0247765.
İcik A. Orta yaş ve üstü bireylerin psikolojik iyi oluş ile sportif rekreasyonel aktivitelere ilişkin sağlık inanç durumunun incelenmesi [Yüksek lisans tezi]. Samsun: Ondokuz Mayıs Üniversitesi, Lisansüstü Eğitim Enstitüsü; 2023. (In Turkish).
Kelly BA. Leisure participation and mental health in Tasmania: A lifecycle approach [doctoral thesis]. Hobart (Australia): University of Tasmania; 2011. Available from: http://eprints.utas.edu.au/11727/.
Moinuddin S, Chaudhari V. Effects of recreation sports on physical fitness and psychological variables. Int J Sci Res Humanit Soc Sci. 2025;2(2):105-109. https://doi.org/10.32628/ijsrhss252222.
Alinezhad H, Behestiar M, Gorbani B. Studying the relationship between time management and mental health of employees. J Basic Appl Sci Res. 2013;3(6):167-173.
Yasser S. Mental health and its relationship with time management among the coaches of the first-class handball clubs. Int J Physiol Nutr Phys Educ. 2023;8(2):102-108. https://doi.org/10.22271/journalofsport.2023.v8.i2b.2781.
Ponde MP, Caroso C. Leisure as a protective factor for mental health. Rev Ciênc Saúde. 2003;12(2):163–172.
Perez DS, Alcalde PQM, Bacurayo CJD, Bihay JA, Caunan IDB, Compendio SJT, et al. The role of time management and sense of belonging on students’ psychological well-being. Int J Res Innov Soc Sci. 2025;9(3):1543–1554.
Ma H, Yu S, Zhang X. Relationship between time management disposition, interpersonal perplexity and mental health in college students. Chin J Public Health. 2011;27(9):1082–1083. https://doi.org/10.11847/zgggws2011-27-09-05
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 KOSALB International Journal of Human Movements Science
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
