Get active? A meta-analysis of leisure-time physical activity and subjective well-being. Issue 1 (2nd January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wiese, Christopher W.; Kuykendall, Lauren; Tay, Louis
• Is Part Of: Journal of positive psychology. Volume 13:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 57
• Page End: 66
• Publication Date: 2018-01-02
• Subjects: Leisure -- well-being -- physical activity -- meta-analysis -- workers; Positive psychology -- Periodicals; Quality of life -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Happiness -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 158
• DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2017.1374436
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-9760

Abstract

Abstract: National time use data shows that working adults typically spend their leisure time in passive activities (e.g. watching television), which may detrimentally impact worker well-being. While leisure time physical activity (LTPA) can be strenuous, it likely facilitates detachment from work demands, promotes a wide range of psychological needs, and instigates physiological mechanisms, which in turn can lead to higher worker well-being. In this paper, we conducted a systematic review to quantitatively synthesize the strength of effects between LTPA and subjective well-being (SWB; positive affect, negative affect, life satisfaction). We found that LTPA is associated with both positive affect ( k = 7, n = 2, 107, r = 0.21) and life satisfaction ( k = 7; n = 2544; r = 0.12), but not with negative affect ( k = 6; n = 2033; r = −0.05). Our results provide evidence for the importance of engaging in LTPA as a way of promoting SWB.