Relationship Between Happiness and Extracurricular Activities Among High School Students

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to bridge the knowledge gap of the relationship between extracurricular activities and happiness among high school students and the variance of well-being among types of schools and genders.   Methods: Using a cross-sectional field survey, data were obtained from 503 high school students of co-educational, boys-only, and girls-only schools. Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale is used for measuring well-being. ANOVA, t-test and correlation study are employed.   Results: Among students, 32.0% had low well-being, 66.2% had moderate well-being, and only 1.8% had high well-being. A statistically significant difference in mean happiness scores between the types of schools was observed through ANOVA. Independent t-test shows that subjective well-being among boys was higher than the girls.   Conclusions: The findings from this study suggest that extracurricular activities can significantly positively impact subjective well-being. Boys-only school has a significantly higher mean score of well-being than types of school. Additionally, gender differences in subjective well-being require further exploration with additional variables.   Research Implications: Such findings contribute to our better understanding of the relationship between well-being and extracurricular activities. Also, it can have implications for policymakers and teachers in developing pedagogy and for family members and other stakeholders in bringing about the holistic development of students.   Originality/value: This study addresses the gap in the body of knowledge regarding the significance of extracurricular activities and subjective well-being among high school students in India.