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The relationship between leisure and life satisfaction: application of activity and need theory

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to better understand the complex relationship between leisure and life satisfaction. Components of two distinct, but potentially integrative, theoretical frameworks (i.e., activity theory and need theory) predicting the relationship between leisure and life satisfaction were tested with a sample of residents from a Midwestern community (n = 633). Findings provided support for both theoretical perspectives, but stronger relationships were found between satisfied needs than with participated activities. In spite of these findings, the various inconsistencies within the two theoretical frameworks suggest that future research is needed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Tourism, Recreation, and Sport Management, University of Florida, P.O. Box 118208, Gainesville, FL, 32611–8208, USA

    Ariel Rodríguez

  2. Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation & Resource Studies (CARRS), Michigan State University, 131 Natural Resources Bldg, East Lansing, MI, 48824–1222, USA

    Pavlína Látková

  3. Department of Kinesiology, Health, and Leisure Studies, National University of Kaohsiung, No. 700, Kaohsiung University Rd., Nan Tzu Dist., 811, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

    Ya-Yen Sun

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  1. Ariel Rodríguez
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  2. Pavlína Látková
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  3. Ya-Yen Sun
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Correspondence to Ariel Rodríguez.

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Rodríguez, A., Látková, P. & Sun, YY. The relationship between leisure and life satisfaction: application of activity and need theory. Soc Indic Res 86, 163–175 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-007-9101-y

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