Association of Enjoyable Leisure Activities with Psychological and Physical Well-Being
Open accessAbstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine whether engaging in multiple enjoyable activities was associated with better psychological and physiological functioning. Few studies have examined the health benefits of the enjoyable activities that individuals participate in voluntarily in their free time. METHOD: Participants from four different studies (n = 1399 total, 74% female, age = 19-89 years) completed a self-report measure (Pittsburgh Enjoyable Activities Test (PEAT)) assessing their participation in ten different types of leisure activities as well as measures assessing positive and negative psychosocial states. Resting blood pressure, cortisol (over 2 days), body mass index, waist circumference, and perceived physiological functioning were assessed. RESULTS: Higher PEAT scores were associated with lower blood pressure, total cortisol, waist circumference, and body mass index, and perceptions of better physical function. These associations withstood controlling for demographic measures. The PEAT was correlated with higher levels of positive psychosocial states and lower levels of depression and negative affect. CONCLUSION: Enjoyable leisure activities, taken in the aggregate, are associated with psychosocial and physical measures relevant for health and well-being. Future studies should determine the extent that these behaviors in the aggregate are useful predictors of disease and other health outcomes.
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Persistent body dissatisfaction can exacerbate or trigger depression and anxiety, creating a cycle of negative self-evaluation and emotional distress.
“Conditions such as depression and anxiety can be exacerbated or triggered by persistent body dissatisfaction, creating a cycle of negative self-evaluation and emotional distress.”
From Body Perceptions and Psychological Well-Being: A Review of the Impact of Social Media and Physical Measurements on Self-Esteem and Mental Health with a Focus on Body Image Satisfaction and Its Relationship with Cultural and Gender Factors (2024) · cites this paper as [72]
The Methods (page unavailable) measure depression and anxiety, and the Results (page unavailable) examine their associations with enjoyable leisure activities. Neither those passages nor searches for body dissatisfaction, body image, and negative self-evaluation address whether persistent body dissatisfaction triggers or exacerbates these conditions. (LLM, conf=0.77)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredSocietal emphasis on physical appearance often leads individuals to base their worth on how closely they align with external standards, neglecting other qualities and achievements.
“The societal emphasis on physical appearance often leads individuals to base their worth on how closely they align with these external standards, neglecting other qualities and achievements [72].”
From Body Perceptions and Psychological Well-Being: A Review of the Impact of Social Media and Physical Measurements on Self-Esteem and Mental Health with a Focus on Body Image Satisfaction and Its Relationship with Cultural and Gender Factors (2024) · cites this paper as [72]
The Discussion reports associations between enjoyable leisure activities and psychological and physical well-being, while the Methods describe measures of mood, life satisfaction, and purpose in life. Searches for appearance standards, body image, and self-worth found no passage addressing whether societal pressure causes people to judge their worth by their appearance. (LLM, conf=0.75)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
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BackgroundMethodInfluentialA Review of the Psychobiology of Dementia Caregiving: A Focus on Resilience Factors
Harmell, A. L., Chattillion, E. A., Roepke, S. K., & Mausbach, B. T. (2011) · Current Psychiatry Reports · doi:10.1007/s11920-011-0187-1 · Cited by 150 · see citing works
“For example, factors such as social support [40, 41], engagement in pleasant activities [42], self-esteem [43], positive attitudes toward the caregiving role [44], hope [45], and optimism [46] have been associated with improved psychological and physical health in caregivers and a variety of other populations.”
BackgroundSmith, E., Sakakibara, B. M., & Miller, W. C. (2014) · Disability and Rehabilitation Assistive Technology · doi:10.3109/17483107.2014.989420 · Cited by 147 · see citing works
Santini, Z. I., Jose, P. E., Koyanagi, A., Meilstrup, C., Nielsen, L., Madsen, K. R., & Koushede, V. (2020) · Social Science & Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.112906 · Cited by 147 · see citing works
Sin, N. L., Almeida, D. M., Crain, T. L., Kossek, E. E., Berkman, L. F., & Buxton, O. M. (2017) · Annals of Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1007/s12160-016-9864-y · Cited by 140 · see citing works
Sin, N. L. (2016) · Current Cardiology Reports · doi:10.1007/s11886-016-0792-z · Cited by 126 · see citing works
Moll, S. E., Gewurtz, R. E., Krupa, T. M., Law, M. C., Larivière, N., & Levasseur, M. (2015) · Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy · doi:10.1177/0008417414545981 · Cited by 108 · see citing works
“…affective state (e.g., well-being, vigour, and calm) for adults and seniors, including increased life satisfaction and life engagement, lower blood pressure, lower total cortisol, lower waist circumference, lower body mass index, and perceptions of better physical function (Pressman et al., 2009).”
Backgroundde Bloom, J., Sianoja, M., Korpela, K., Tuomisto, M. T., Lilja, A., Geurts, S. A. E., & Kinnunen, U. M. (2017) · Journal of Environmental Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.jenvp.2017.03.006 · Cited by 104 · see citing works
Carrus, G., Scopelliti, M., Panno, A., Lafortezza, R., Colangelo, G., Pirchio, S., Ferrini, F., Salbitano, F., Agrimi, M., Portoghesi, L., et al. (2017) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00914 · Cited by 103 · see citing works
“In addition, links between psychological and physical well-being have emerged in several studies on the experience of nature (Bodin and Hartig, 2003; Hansmann et al., 2007; Pressman et al., 2009).”
BackgroundThe role of brain reward pathways in stress resilience and health
Dutcher, J. M., & Creswell, J. D. (2018) · Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews · doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.10.014 · Cited by 100 · see citing works
“, lower depressive symptomatology, lower blood pressure) (Pressman et al., 2009).”
BackgroundVancampfort, D., Firth, J., Stubbs, B., Schuch, F. B., Rosenbaum, S., Hallgren, M. Å., Deenik, J., Ward, P. B., Mugisha, J., Damme, T. V., et al. (2025) · World Psychiatry · doi:10.1002/wps.21314 · Cited by 117 · see citing works
“Mental health benefits of leisure time physical ac tivity may stem from its association with increased social interac tion and opportunities for enjoyment 76 .”
Recovery Processes During and After Work
de Bloom, J., Kinnunen, U. M., & Korpela, K. (2015) · Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine · doi:10.1097/jom.0000000000000475 · Cited by 100 · see citing works
Vella, E. J., Milligan, B., & Bennett, J. L. (2013) · Military Medicine · doi:10.7205/milmed-d-12-00308 · Cited by 97 · see citing works
“Moreover, recent cross-sectional evidence has found significant associations between tendencies to engage in leisure activities and a variety of psychological and physical well-being assessments.(21) Individuals reporting higher levels of leisure activity participation were found to display lower depression, negative…”
BackgroundResultInfluentialAmbrose, G., Das, K., Fan, Y., & Ramaswami, A. (2020) · Landscape and Urban Planning · doi:10.1016/j.landurbplan.2020.103776 · Cited by 96 · see citing works
Work Characteristics and Personal Social Support as Determinants of Subjective Well-Being
Stansfeld, S. A., Shipley, M. J., Head, J. A., Fuhrer, R., & Mika Kivimaki, B. (2013) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0081115 · Cited by 96 · see citing works
“These associations were maintained after adjustment for affect balance score at baseline and satisfaction with standard of living, accommodation, and leisure time [30] suggesting that the psychosocial work environWork, Support and Well-Being”
BackgroundPhysical Fitness, Exercise Self-Efficacy, and Quality of Life in Adulthood: A Systematic Review
Ureña, M. D. R. M., Ruiz, R. O., & Sillero, J. D. D. B. (2020) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph17176343 · Cited by 95 · see citing works
The Role of Psychological and Social Well-being on Physical Function Trajectories in Older Adults
Saadeh, M., Welmer, A., Dekhtyar, S., Fratiglioni, L., & Calderón‐Larrañaga, A. (2020) · The Journals of Gerontology Series A · doi:10.1093/gerona/glaa114 · Cited by 98 · see citing works
“symptoms, and better physiological and self-reported physical functioning (16,17).”
BackgroundGoodman, W. K., Geiger, A. M., & Wolf, J. M. (2016) · Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health · doi:10.1136/jech-2016-207260 · Cited by 92 · see citing works
Sawyer, R. K., & Henriksen, D. (2023) · doi:10.1093/oso/9780197747537.001.0001 · Cited by 101 · see citing works
Social and leisure activity profiles and well-being among the older adults: a longitudinal study
Joulain, M., Martinent, G., Taliercio, A., Bailly, N., Ferrand, C., & Gana, K. (2017) · Aging & Mental Health · doi:10.1080/13607863.2017.1394442 · Cited by 91 · see citing works
“Previous research has provided strong evidence that activities have health (mental and physical) and social effects (Lu & Hu, 2005; Pressman et al., 2009; Silverstein & Parker, 2002).”
BackgroundStanton, S. C. E., Campbell, L., & Loving, T. J. (2014) · Psychophysiology · doi:10.1111/psyp.12249 · Cited by 85 · see citing works
“Over time, then, it is possible that the increases in positive affect observed in the present study could benefit health (see also Cohen & Pressman, 2006; Pressman et al., 2009).”
BackgroundInfurna, F. J., & Gerstorf, D. (2012) · Health Psychology · doi:10.1037/a0030208 · Cited by 85 · see citing works
Labbé, D., Miller, W. C., & Ng, R. (2018) · Disability and health journal · doi:10.1016/j.dhjo.2018.11.007 · Cited by 79 · see citing works
Lee, C., Yeh, C., Lee, M., Lin, H., Chen, V. C., Hsieh, M., Yen, C., & Lai, T. (2011) · Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics · doi:10.1016/j.archger.2011.06.014 · Cited by 79 · see citing works
“, as ‘‘pleasurable activities that individuals engage in voluntarily when they are free from the demands of work or other assigned responsibilities’’ (Pressman et al., 2009).”
BackgroundLiao, Z., Zhou, H., & He, Z. (2022) · BMC Geriatrics · doi:10.1186/s12877-022-03635-x · Cited by 84 · see citing works
“A previous study found that older people with lower engagement in enjoyable activities had more negative moods and a more negative affect than those with higher engagement [30].”
BackgroundLeisure in Coping With Depression
Nimrod, G., Kleiber, D. A., & Berdychevsky, L. (2012) · Journal of Leisure Research · doi:10.1080/00222216.2012.11950272 · Cited by 76 · see citing works
“Nevertheless, where this has occurred the effects are still significant, though far less pronounced, largely because the intensity rarely approximates that which is prescribed to equal or surpass the effects of drug treatments (Morgan & Bath, 1998; Perraton et al., 2010; Pressman et al., 2009; Teychenne, Ball, & Salmo…”
BackgroundArévalo, S., Tucker, K. L., & Falcón, L. M. (2015) · Social Science & Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2015.05.040 · Cited by 75 · see citing works
“Enjoyable leisure activities, in particular, have been associated with psychosocial and physical well-being (Pressman et al., 2009).”
BackgroundThe contribution of holiday trips to life satisfaction: the case of people with disabilities
Pagán, R. (2013) · Current Issues in Tourism · doi:10.1080/13683500.2013.860086 · Cited by 73 · see citing works
“first hypothesis), we assume that many leisure activities, including holiday trips, are salutary and may serve as ‘breathers’ that provide a chance to take a break, engage in a pleasurable diversionary activity and consequently induce positive emotions and feelings which contribute to increasing individuals’ LS (Iwasa…”
BackgroundSantini, Z. I., Stougaard, S. W., Koyanagi, A., Ersbøll, A. K., Nielsen, L., Hinrichsen, C., Madsen, K. R., Meilstrup, C., Stewart-Brown, S. L., & Koushede, V. (2020) · European Journal of Public Health · doi:10.1093/eurpub/ckaa021 · Cited by 69 · see citing works
Role of Leisure in Recovery From Mental Illness
Iwasaki, Y., Coyle, C. P., Shank, J. W., Messina, E. S., Porter, H. R., Salzer, M. S., Baron, D. A., Kishbauch, G., Naveiras-Cabello, R., Mitchell, L., et al. (2014) · American Journal of Psychiatric Rehabilitation · doi:10.1080/15487768.2014.909683 · Cited by 69 · see citing works
The Influence of Leisure Engagement on Daily Emotional Well-Being
Chen, S.-T., Hyun, J., Graefe, A. R., Mowen, A. J., Almeida, D. M., & Sliwinski, M. J. (2020) · Leisure Sciences · doi:10.1080/01490400.2020.1757537 · Cited by 68 · see citing works
“Leisure engagement, which is defined as engagement in enjoyable activities during the time free from obligations or responsibilities (Pressman et al., 2009), has demonstrable benefits for emotional well-being (Newman et al., 2014).”
BackgroundMethodInfluentialSin, N. L., Ong, A. D., Stawski, R. S., & Almeida, D. M. (2017) · Psychoneuroendocrinology · doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.06.001 · Cited by 61 · see citing works
Leisure activity participation and risk of dementia: An 18-year follow-up of the Whitehall II Study
Sommerlad, A., Sabia, S., Livingston, G., Kivimäki, M., Lewis, G., & Singh-Manoux, A. (2020) · Neurology · doi:10.1212/wnl.0000000000010966 · Cited by 72 · see citing works
Cohen, M. M., Elliott, F., Oates, L., Schembri, A. J., & Mantri, N. L. (2017) · The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine · doi:10.1089/acm.2016.0268 · Cited by 59 · see citing works
Yamashita, T., Bardo, A. R., & Liu, D. (2018) · The Gerontologist · doi:10.1093/geront/gny106 · Cited by 59 · see citing works
de Bloom, J., Rantanen, J., Tement, S., & Kinnunen, U. M. (2017) · Leisure Sciences · doi:10.1080/01490400.2017.1356254 · Cited by 56 · see citing works
“Summing up, the few results so far suggest that specific leisure activities vary in their potential for liberating recovery experiences (see also Pressman et al., 2009; Sonnentag & Fritz, 2007; Tucker, Dahlgren, Åkerstedt, & Waterhouse, 2008).”
BackgroundPoole, L., Steptoe, A., Wawrzyniak, A. J., Bostock, S., Mitchell, E. S., & Hamer, M. (2011) · Psychophysiology · doi:10.1111/j.1469-8986.2011.01184.x · Cited by 55 · see citing works
“In a recent study, there was an association between participation in enjoyable leisure time activities and higher levels of positive psychological state (Pressman et al., 2009).”
Backgroundde Bloom, J., Kinnunen, U. M., & Korpela, K. (2014) · BMC Public Health · doi:10.1186/1471-2458-14-488 · Cited by 51 · see citing works
“, [12-14]).”
Lifestyle Enrichment in Later Life and Its Association With Dementia Risk
Wu, Z., Pandigama, D. H., Wrigglesworth, J., Owen, A. J., Woods, R. L., Chong, T. T. ‐., Orchard, S. G., Shah, R. C., Sheets, K. M., McNeil, J. J., et al. (2023) · JAMA Network Open · doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.23690 · Cited by 48 · see citing works
Behavioral activation for depression in older adults: Theoretical and practical considerations
Polenick, C. A., & Flora, S. R. (2013) · The Behavior Analyst · doi:10.1007/bf03392291 · Cited by 48 · see citing works
“, 2012) are associated with depression in older adults, engagement in activities is related to greater psychological well-being (e.g., Gautam, Saito, & Kai, 2007; Jenkins, Pienta & Horgas, 2002; Pressman et al., 2009) and may mediate the negative impact of functional limitations on depression (Benyamini & Lomranz, 200…”
BackgroundThe case for leisure education in preparation for the retirement transition.
Kleiber, D. A., & Linde, B. D. (2014) · Journal of Park and Recreation Administration · Cited by 48 · see citing works
Leisure activities, caregiving demands and catecholamine levels in dementia caregivers
Chattillion, E. A., Mausbach, B. T., Roepke, S. K., von Känel, R., Mills, P. J., Dimsdale, J. E., Allison, M., Ziegler, M. G., Patterson, T. L., Ancoli‐Israel, S., et al. (2011) · Psychology and Health · doi:10.1080/08870446.2011.637559 · Cited by 46 · see citing works
“For example, recent research in noncaregiving adults demonstrated that more frequent engagement in enjoyable leisure activities is associated with increased physical well-being, including lower blood pressure and lower total cortisol (Pressman et al, 2009 ).”
BackgroundLackner, J. M., Gudleski, G. D., DiMuro, J., Keefer, L., & Brenner, D. M. (2013) · Behaviour Research and Therapy · doi:10.1016/j.brat.2013.03.001 · Cited by 46 · see citing works
“The Pittsburgh Enjoyable Activities Test scale (PEAT) (Pressman et al., 2009) is a 10 item scale that assesses the frequency of involvement in a spectrum of leisure activities associated with feelings of renewed energy, concentration and mental clarity.”
BackgroundMethodPressman, S. D., Jenkins, B. N., Kraft-Feil, T. L., Rasmussen, H. N., & Scheier, M. F. (2017) · Emotion · doi:10.1037/emo0000256 · Cited by 45 · see citing works
“PA has also been proposed to play a critical role in restorative behaviors (i.e., the behaviors that encourage homeostasis following challenge; Boehm & Kubzansky, 2012; Pressman & Cohen, 2005; Pressman et al., 2009; Siegel, 2003), sleep included.”
BackgroundMethodAltan, S., & Lane, J. F. (2018) · Teaching and Teacher Education · doi:10.1016/j.tate.2018.05.012 · Cited by 45 · see citing works
“This finding is consistent with the some literature as travelling is grouped under “restorative activities” and associated with psychological well-being (Pressmen et al., 2009).”
ResultDoes Leisure Time Moderate or Mediate the Effect of Daily Stress on Positve Affect?
Qian, X. L., Yarnal, C., & Almeida, D. M. (2014) · Journal of Leisure Research · doi:10.1080/00222216.2014.11950315 · Cited by 44 · see citing works
“Given the promise of leisure as a coping resource, multiple stress researchers (Folkman et al., 1997; Pressman et al., 2009) suggested that studying leisure is an important agenda, the result of which can contribute substantial knowledge about how people cope with stress.”
Petersen, C. B., Bekker-Jeppesen, M., Aadahl, M., & Lau, C. J. (2021) · Preventive Medicine Reports · doi:10.1016/j.pmedr.2021.101610 · Cited by 44 · see citing works
“Recreational activities are mainly performed in leisure time and covers sport and exercise activities, cultural activities, outdoor activities, social activities and similar activities with the purpose of bringing pleasure, joy, amusement and meaning to our lives (Pressman et al., 2009).”
BackgroundTurcotte, P., Carrier, A., Desrosiers, J., & Levasseur, M. (2015) · Australian Occupational Therapy Journal · doi:10.1111/1440-1630.12174 · Cited by 42 · see citing works
The Impact of Internet Use on Health Outcomes of Rural Adults: Evidence from China
Li, L., Zeng, Y., Zhang, Z., & Fu, C. (2020) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph17186502 · Cited by 42 · see citing works
“In addition, using the internet for entertainment and relaxation is to some extent regarded as a leisure activity, which helps people reduce stress and improve health outcomes [47].”
BackgroundLeisure and Depression in Midlife: A Taiwanese National Survey of Middle-aged Adults
Lu, L. (2010) · Journal of Health Psychology · doi:10.1177/1359105310370501 · Cited by 40 · see citing works
“Our results compliment Western findings of leisure benefits on enhancing quality of life in middle age and reducing risks of dementia in older age (Carlson et al., 2008; Fratiglioni et al., 2004; Pressman et al., 2009; Rovio et al., 2007).”
BackgroundResultKujanpää, M., Syrek, C. J., Tay, L., Kinnunen, U. M., Mäkikangas, A., Shimazu, A., Wiese, C. W., Brauchli, R., Bauer, G. F., Kerksieck, P., et al. (2022) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.959296 · Cited by 40 · see citing works
Determinants of burnout syndrome among nursing students in Cameroon: cross-sectional study
Njim, T. N., Mbanga, C. M., Mouemba, D., Makebe, H., Toukam, L., Kika, B. T., & Mulango, I. (2018) · BMC Research Notes · doi:10.1186/s13104-018-3567-3 · Cited by 39 · see citing works
Zhou, Z., Mao, F., Han, Y., Fu, J., & Fang, Y. (2019) · Journal of Aging and Health · doi:10.1177/0898264319839594 · Cited by 39 · see citing works
“Compared with individuals with higher engagement in enjoyable activities, people with lower engagement exhibit increases in negative moods and a more negative affect, which is linked to cognitive functioning (Pressman et al., 2009).”
BackgroundHruska, B. J., & Barduhn, M. S. (2020) · Journal of Affective Disorders · doi:10.1016/j.jad.2020.12.130 · Cited by 41 · see citing works
Pleasant events, activity restriction, and blood pressure in dementia caregivers.
Chattillion, E. A., Ceglowski, J., Roepke, S. K., von Känel, R., Losada‐Baltar, A., Mills, P. J., Romero‐Moreno, R., Grant, I., Patterson, T. L., & Mausbach, B. T. (2012) · Health Psychology · doi:10.1037/a0029412 · Cited by 39 · see citing works
Majeed, S., Lu, C., & Javed, T. (2017) · European Journal of Integrative Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.eujim.2017.10.001 · Cited by 37 · see citing works
Blanco, J. A., & Barnett, L. A. (2014) · Leisure Sciences · doi:10.1080/01490400.2014.915772 · Cited by 35 · see citing works
“…of Depression on Leisure 461 some empirical attention, it has largely been approached from a therapeutic perspective (e.g., Nimrod et al., 2012; Pressman et al., 2009), and leisure has been treated more holistically rather than investigated in specific detail from several perspectives (i.e.,…”
BackgroundInfluentialMurad, S., & Versey, H. S. (2020) · Leisure Studies · doi:10.1080/02614367.2020.1862281 · Cited by 34 · see citing works
“Leisure activities are broadly defined as activities undertaken during free time, such as exercise and socialising (Mansvelt, 2009; Pressman et al., 2009).”
BackgroundOccupational harmony: Embracing the complexity of occupational balance
Liu, Y., Zemke, R. A. B., Liang, L., & Gray, J. M. (2021) · Journal of Occupational Science · doi:10.1080/14427591.2021.1881592 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
“Strong supporting evidence has shown leisure and play occupations can lead to greater life satisfaction and quality of life for people across the life span (Brajsažganec et al., 2011; Pressman et al., 2009).”
BackgroundCabrita, M., Lousberg, R., Tabak, M., Hermens, H. J., & Vollenbroek-Hutten, M. M. R. (2017) · European Review of Aging and Physical Activity · doi:10.1186/s11556-016-0170-2 · Cited by 50 · see citing works
“First, participation in pleasurable activities in older age is associated with better physiological function and better sleep [5], improving general health and wellbeing.”
BackgroundThe Impact of Holiday Trips on Life Satisfaction and Domains of Life Satisfaction
Pagán, R. (2014) · Journal of Travel Research · doi:10.1177/0047287513517424 · Cited by 32 · see citing works
“…by the existing literature that tourism activities offer individuals an escape from the routine of daily life and provide an opportunity to experience something different, challenging, or simply pleasurable (e.g., Gross 1961; Diener, Lucas, and Oishi 2002; Prentice 2004; Pressman et al. 2009).”
BackgroundMind-stimulating leisure activities: Prospective associations with health, wellbeing, and longevity
Węziak‐Białowolska, D., Białowolski, P., & Sacco, P. L. (2023) · Frontiers in Public Health · doi:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1117822 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
“Outcomes Health and wellbeing outcomes such as (1) a sense of loneliness; (2) depression; (3) self-reported diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other seriousmemory impairment; (4) sense of meaning in life; (5) happiness; (6) feeling energetic; and (7) optimism.”
BackgroundMethodInfluentialLeisure Activity and Caregiver Involvement in Middle-Aged and Older Adults With Down Syndrome
Mihaila, I., Hartley, S. L., Handen, B. L., Bulova, P. D., Tumuluru, R. V., Devenny, D. A., Johnson, S. C., Lao, P. J., & Christian, B. T. (2017) · Intellectual and developmental disabilities · doi:10.1352/1934-9556-55.2.97 · Cited by 31 · see citing works
“Discussion There is substantial evidence from research on both the general population (Brajša-Žganec et al., 2011, Pressman et al., 2009) and on adolescents and young adults with DS and other types of IDD that leisure activity promotes psychological well-being (e.g., Badia et al., 2011;…”
BackgroundDeterminants of depression among nursing students in Cameroon: a cross-sectional analysis
Njim, T. N., Mbanga, C. M., Mouemba, D., Makebe, H., Toukam, L., Kika, B. T., & Mulango, I. (2020) · BMC Nursing · doi:10.1186/s12912-020-00424-y · Cited by 33 · see citing works
Differential Links Between Leisure Activities and Depressive Symptoms in Unemployed Individuals
Goodman, W. K., Geiger, A. M., & Wolf, J. M. (2015) · Journal of Clinical Psychology · doi:10.1002/jclp.22231 · Cited by 31 · see citing works
“The PEAT is a self-report 10-item questionnaire examining participation in leisure activities (α = .72) (Pressman et al., 2009).”
BackgroundViewing leisure as wasteful undermines enjoyment
Tonietto, G., Malkoc, S. A., Reczek, R. W., & Norton, M. I. (2021) · Journal of Experimental Social Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.jesp.2021.104198 · Cited by 30 · see citing works
“…established benefits: It provides a sense of control in life, facilitates social relationships (Coleman & Iso-Ahola, 1993; Glover & Parry, 2008), lowers blood pressure (Pressman et al., 2009), and reduces the risk of depression (Iwasaki, Mackay, Mactavish, Ristock, & Bartlett, 2006; Watson, 1988).”
BackgroundParisi, J. M., Roberts, L., Szanton, S. L., Hodgson, N. A., & Gitlin, L. N. (2015) · The Gerontologist · doi:10.1093/geront/gnv144 · Cited by 30 · see citing works
“For instance, with increased age there is a greater tendency to participate in socially oriented activities that engender pleasure such as socializing with friends, or participating in organized activities, or religious services (Bryant, Corbett, & Kutner, 2001; Pressman et al., 2009), perhaps reflecting developmental…”
The teacher educator’s role in promoting institutional versus individual teacher well-being
Margolis, J., Hodge, A., & Alexandrou, A. (2014) · Journal of Education for Teaching International Research and Pedagogy · doi:10.1080/02607476.2014.929382 · Cited by 30 · see citing works
“There are related questions as to how teacher educators should link the ‘personal’ to the ‘professional’ in the life of teaching (see Pressman et al. 2009), or whether they should develop ability in new teachers to compartmentalise these facets of self.”
BackgroundZhu, C., Walsh, C., Zhou, L., & Zhang, X. (2023) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph20021546 · Cited by 32 · see citing works
“Leisure activities refer to the meaningful activities that individuals voluntarily engage in during their leisure time that are unrelated to making a living and remuneration [4,5].”
BackgroundParticipation in People Living With Spinal Cord Injury in Switzerland: Degree and Associated Factors
Gross-Hemmi, M. H., Post, M. W. M., Bienert, S., Chamberlain, J. D., Hug, K., Jordan, X., Scheel‐Sailer, A., Weiß, A., Brinkhof, M. W. G., Jordan, X., et al. (2019) · Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation · doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2019.03.018 · Cited by 28 · see citing works
Mihaila, I., Handen, B. L., Christian, B. T., & Hartley, S. L. (2020) · Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities · doi:10.1111/jar.12706 · Cited by 28 · see citing works
“, 2009), is an aspect of daily life that is linked to optimal aging outcomes, such as greater quality of life, better physical health, and higher cognitive functioning in adults in the general population (e.g., Brajsa-Zganec, Merkas, Sverko, 2011; Hughes, Chang, Vander Bilt, & Ganguli, 2010; Pressman et al., 2009).”
BackgroundInfluentialBang, H., Chang, M., & Kim, S. (2024) · Children and Youth Services Review · doi:10.1016/j.childyouth.2024.107517 · Cited by 28 · see citing works
Students’ Well-Being and Academic Engagement: A Multivariate Analysis of the Influencing Factors
Puiu, S., Udriștioiu, M. T., Petrişor, I., Yılmaz, S. E., Pfefferova, M. S., Raykova, Z., Yıldızhan, H., & Marekova, E. (2024) · Healthcare · doi:10.3390/healthcare12151492 · Cited by 27 · see citing works
“Pressman et al. [68] analyzed ten leisure activities and showed that they are related to a higher level of both psychological and physical well-being.”
BackgroundAct-Belong-Commit Indicators Promote Mental Health and Wellbeing among Irish Older Adults
Santini, Z. I., Nielsen, L., Hinrichsen, C., Meilstrup, C., Koyanagi, A., Haro, J. M., Donovan, R. J., & Koushede, V. (2018) · American Journal of Health Behavior · doi:10.5993/ajhb.42.6.4 · Cited by 27 · see citing works
Ji, R., Chen, W., & Ding, M. (2023) · Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience · doi:10.3389/fnagi.2023.1132871 · Cited by 27 · see citing works
“The mediating role of leisure participation in the relation between smartphone use and depressive symptoms among older adults Leisure participation was defined as engagement in enjoyable activities during time free from obligations or responsibilities (Pressman et al., 2009).”
BackgroundLeisure Experiences and Depressive Symptoms Among Chinese Older People: A National Survey in Taiwan
Lu, L. (2011) · Educational Gerontology · doi:10.1080/03601271003744632 · Cited by 27 · see citing works
“A recent study (Pressman et al., 2009) has shown that among a large sample of American adults (N1⁄4 1399, 19–89 years), leisure 756 L.”
BackgroundChantrelle, B., Cogan, M. G., & Rector, F. C. (1985) · PubMed · Cited by 27 · see citing works
Flourishing Through Leisure and the Upward Spiral Theory of Lifestyle Change
Anderson, L. S., & Heyne, L. A. (2016) · Therapeutic Recreation Journal · doi:10.18666/trj-2016-v50-i2-7333 · Cited by 26 · see citing works
“…Dupuis & Smale, 1995; Herzog, Franks, Markus, & Holmberg, 1998; Iwasaki, 2006; Kleiber, 1999; Kleiber, Walker, & Mannell, 2011; Lawton, 1994; Lee et al., 2012; Pressman et al., 2009; Siddiquee, Sivsmith, Lawthom, & Haworth, 2016; Siegenthaler & Vaughan, 1998; Zawadzki, Smyth, & Costigan, 2015).”
BackgroundVacation frequency is associated with metabolic syndrome and symptoms
Hruska, B. J., Pressman, S. D., Bendinskas, K. G., & Gump, B. B. (2019) · Psychology and Health · doi:10.1080/08870446.2019.1628962 · Cited by 26 · see citing works
“Activities taking place during each vacation episode were assessed using an adapted version of the Pittsburgh Enjoyable Activities Test (PEAT: Pressman et al., 2009).”
BackgroundMethodFour domains for development for all (4D4D4All): A holistic, physical literacy framework
Agans, J. P., Stuckey, M. I., Cairney, J., & Kriellaars, D. J. (2024) · Journal of Applied Sport Psychology · doi:10.1080/10413200.2024.2342323 · Cited by 25 · see citing works
“Movement can be used as a source of fun, relaxation, self-connection, or contentment to enhance positive affect and life satisfaction at any age (e.g., Agans et al., 2013; Beni et al., 2017; Klussman et al., 2022; Pressman et al., 2009).”
Work, Stress and Play: Students’ perceptions of factors impacting on their studies and well‐being
Jenkins, S., Johnson, I. G., & Ginley, J. (2019) · European Journal Of Dental Education · doi:10.1111/eje.12436 · Cited by 25 · see citing works
Quality of life as a mediator of leisure activity and perceived health among older women
Eifert, E. K., Hall, M. E., Smith, P. H., & Wideman, L. (2018) · Journal of Women & Aging · doi:10.1080/08952841.2018.1444937 · Cited by 27 · see citing works
“Leisure can be described as the “pleasurable activities that individuals engage in voluntarily when they are free from the demands of work or other responsibilities” (Pressman et al., 2009, p. 726).”
BackgroundEmpirical research on leisure and spiritual well-being: conceptualisation, measurement and findings
Heintzman, P. (2019) · Leisure Studies · doi:10.1080/02614367.2019.1684981 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
“, 2011); purpose in life (Kim, Lee, Chun, Han, & Heo, 2017; Pressman et al., 2009), Ryff’s (1989) six-factor conceptualisation of psychological well-being (Ma, Tan, & Ma, 2012) and the psychological wellness items of the Perceived Wellness Scale (Adams et al.”
BackgroundMethodInfluentialHernandez, R., Pyatak, E. A., Vigen, C. L. P., Jin, H., Schneider, S., Spruijt‐Metz, D., & Roll, S. C. (2021) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph181910354 · Cited by 24 · see citing works
Wen, H., Zhu, Z., Hu, T., Li, C., Jiang, T., Li, L., Zhang, L., Fu, Y., Han, S., Wu, B., et al. (2023) · Frontiers in Public Health · doi:10.3389/fpubh.2022.1024436 · Cited by 27 · see citing works
“Sadness, as a highly self-focused negative emotion, is one of the emotional expressions of depressive states (47, 48).”
BackgroundYu, C., Zeng, Z., Xue, A.-C., & Wu, Q. (2024) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1465138 · Cited by 25 · see citing works
- Authors
- Pressman, S. D., Matthews, K. A., Cohen, S., Martire, L. M., Scheier, M., Baum, A., & Schulz, R.
- Affiliations
- National Institutes of Health (US)
- Corresponding author
- Matthews, Karen A.
- ORCID
- Venue
- Psychosomatic Medicine
- Published
- 2009-09
- Volume
- 71
- Issue
- 7
- Pages
- 725-732
- ISSN
- 0033-3174 (ISSN-L)
- PMC
- PMC2863117
- OpenAlex
- W2033377155
- Cited by
- 558
- References
- 67
- Citations by year
- 2026: 38 · 2025: 78 · 2024: 40 · 2023: 67 · 2022: 39 · 2021: 49 · 2020: 90 · 2019: 18 · 2018: 27 · 2017: 22 · 2016: 11 · 2015: 13 · 2014: 22 · 2013: 13 · 2012: 14
- FWCI
- 13.01
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- green
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Locations
- Psychosomatic Medicine (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
- KiltHub Repository (submittedVersion)
- Figshare (submittedVersion, cc-by)
- KiltHub Repository
- Funders
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (HL 076858, HL07650, HL 076852, R24HL076852, R24HL076858)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Recreation, Leisure, Wilderness Management
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Physical Activity and Health
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction
- Keywords
- leisure, psychological well-being, physical well-being, blood pressure, cortisol, body mass index, waist circumference, depression, negative affect
- MeSH terms
- Activities of Daily Living, Adaptation, Psychological, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Blood Pressure, Female, Health Status, Health Surveys, Humans, Hydrocortisone, Leisure Activities, Male, Middle Aged, Personal Satisfaction, Physical Fitness, Quality of Life, Surveys and Questionnaires, Health Behavior
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