Leisure Activities of Adolescents - Associations with Well-Being and Parental Leisure Engagement

Abstract

Abstract Background Leisure activities are substantial for adolescents’ development and are influenced by various factors. The present study aimed to investigate the 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 the adolescents’ leisure activities (e.g., family time, meeting friends, different media, organized sports), well-being (Kidscreen-27) and behavioral difficulties (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire SDQ) using questionnaires. We applied linear and generalized mixed-effect models to assess associations, adjusting for age group, 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, physical activity) was associated with better well-being, especially physical well-being, and fewer behavioral difficulties. Passive leisure activities (e.g., screen time, chilling), on the contrary, were associated with lower well-being and more behavioral difficulties. We also observed that adolescents reported greater participation in the described leisure activities if their parents did so. With a few exceptions, leisure behavior did not change during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion Our findings underline the importance of leisure activities, their potential impact on adolescents’ well-being and the role parents might play in shaping their children’s leisure time. Therefore, we need to promote the active leisure behavior of young people and their parents.