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Jan 23, 2025;

Leisure activities of adolescents-associations with demographic characteristics, well-being and parental leisure engagement.

Friederike Wanka, Mandy Vogel, Nico Grafe, Manuela Aßmann, Wieland Kiess, Tanja Poulain
Author Information
  1. Friederike Wanka: LIFE Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany. fw85tiha@studserv.uni-leipzig.de.
  2. Mandy Vogel: LIFE Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.
  3. Nico Grafe: LIFE Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.
  4. Manuela Aßmann: LIFE Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.
  5. Wieland Kiess: LIFE Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.
  6. Tanja Poulain: LIFE Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.
PMID: 39843778 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-025-03866-9

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to investigate associations between leisure activities and well-being, behavioral difficulties, and parental leisure time engagement.
METHODS: A total of 959 adolescents aged 10 to 18 years were included in the present study. We assessed their leisure activities (e.g., family time, meeting friends, screen time, sports participation), well-being (Kidscreen-27) and behavioral difficulties (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire SDQ) using questionnaires. The leisure behavior of parents was assessed using a parent version of the leisure activities questionnaire. We applied linear and logistic mixed-effect models to assess associations, adjusting for age, sex, and SES.
RESULTS: The associations between leisure activities and well-being differed depending on the type of activity. Active leisure (e.g., family time, meeting friends, café visits, visiting a museum/art exhibition/cinema, visiting a concert/opera, voluntary work, sports participation) was associated with better well-being, especially physical well-being, and fewer behavioral difficulties. Passive leisure activities (screen time, chilling) were associated with lower well-being and more behavioral difficulties. We also observed that adolescents reported more frequently participation in the described leisure activities if their parents did so.
CONCLUSION: We need to promote active leisure behavior among young people and their parents to improve adolescents' well-being.
IMPACT: Most previous studies on leisure behavior have focused on screen time and sports participation, but we examined a variety of leisure activities including family time, meeting friends, café visits, visiting a museum/art exhibition/cinema, visiting a concert/opera, voluntary work, chilling and sports participation and screen time. Active leisure activities are associated with better well-being and less behavioral problems. Parents' leisure time participation is associated with higher participation of their children in these activities. We need to promote active leisure behavior among adolescents and their parents to improve overall well-being.

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