Hye Jin Yang1, Ji-Hye Yang2, Ga Young Kim1, Chulhwan Choi3, Chul-Ho Bum4
1Kyung Hee University, Graduate School, Department of Physical Education, Yongin-si, Republic of Korea
2Old Dominion University, Department of Human Movement Studies and Special Education, Norfolk, VA, USA
3Gachon University, Department of Physical Education, Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea
4Kyung Hee University, College of Physical Education, Department of Golf Industry, Yongin-si, Republic of Korea
A Comparative Analysis of Perceived Health, Self- Esteem, and Life Satisfaction According to Leisure Activity Types among Married Women
Sport Mont 2026, 24(2), Ahead of Print | DOI: 10.26773/smj.260619
Abstract
In contemporary society, married women are often required to navigate multiple roles, including household responsibilities, childcare, and economic participation. This study examined differences in perceived health, self-esteem, and life satisfaction among 222 married Korean women classified into three groups: active leisure, passive leisure, and inactive. Perceived health was assessed using a modified version of Kim (2003) and Kwon (2011)'s scale (14 items; physical, mental, and social health subscales), self-esteem was measured using a revised Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (10 items; positive and negative subscales), and life satisfaction was assessed using an instrument adapted from Roach et al. (1981) (5 items). Results indicated that active leisure participants reported the highest levels of perceived physical health (M=3.55), positive self-esteem (M=3.89), and life satisfaction (M=3.87), followed by passive leisure participants, with the inactive group scoring the lowest across all domains. Regarding perceived mental health and positive self-esteem, both leisure groups outperformed the inactive group (p<0.001), with no significant difference between them. Perceived social health was significantly higher among active leisure participants than among the other two groups (p<0.05). The inactive group exhibited the highest negative self-esteem (M=3.31). These findings highlight the beneficial effects of leisure participation on married women’s well-being and suggest that active leisure exerts the most significant impact. Nevertheless, passive leisure also offers meaningful psychological benefits compared with inactivity, underscoring its value as a feasible strategy for enhancing life satisfaction in this population.
Keywords
well-being, active leisure, passive leisure, quality of life, psychological health, gender and leisure
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