An Analysis of the Influence That Leisure Experiences Have on a Person's Mood State, Health and Wellbeing

Abstract

The relationship between leisure, health, and wellbeing has had a longstanding connection; however, the processes that explain this association have been under‐researched and are still relatively unclear. Experiencing pleasant mood states through leisure participation has been found to be one of the most important benefits of leisure, and this has been shown to contribute to a person's quality of life. This paper explores the relationship between leisure and positive mood states, and the effect of a positive mood state on health. In addition this paper reviews the related literature and proposes a theoretical model to explain the relationship between leisure, positive affect, and good health. The impact that leisure provides on health is explained in two ways: as a means of moderating stress and/or stress effects; and by direct strengthening of a person's health and wellbeing.

Key words:

• leisure
• participation
• health
• wellbeing
• mood states
• stress