Leisure activity participation, health status, and subjective well-being of adult women: a cross-sectional study from a life cycle perspective in China

ObjectiveBased on life cycle theory, this study aims to explore the changes in leisure activity participation, health status, and subjective well-being among women at different life stages, and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Additionally, the study examines the moderating effects of demog...

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Main Authors: Nan Xiao, Yuhua Ma, Yang Zhao, Pengfei Li, Zhaoxiang Li, Jie Yang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-06-01
Series:Frontiers in Public Health
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1570705/full
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author Nan Xiao
Nan Xiao
Yuhua Ma
Yang Zhao
Pengfei Li
Zhaoxiang Li
Jie Yang
author_facet Nan Xiao
Nan Xiao
Yuhua Ma
Yang Zhao
Pengfei Li
Zhaoxiang Li
Jie Yang
author_sort Nan Xiao
collection DOAJ
description ObjectiveBased on life cycle theory, this study aims to explore the changes in leisure activity participation, health status, and subjective well-being among women at different life stages, and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Additionally, the study examines the moderating effects of demographic characteristics.MethodsThis study used data from the China General Social Survey (CGSS) and employed a cross-sectional research design to compare data from women in early adulthood, early maturity, and late maturity. Stepwise regression and mediation analysis were applied to systematically examine the complex relationships between leisure activity participation, health status, and subjective well-being.ResultsThe results indicate that women in early adulthood report significantly higher levels of subjective well-being and health status than those in early and late maturity stages. Furthermore, leisure activity participation showed significant changes across the life cycle. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that the impact of leisure activity participation on subjective well-being varied across different life stages, but health status remained a key determinant of well-being. Mediation analysis further confirmed that health status partially mediated the relationship between leisure activity participation and subjective well-being.ConclusionThis study provides an in-depth examination of the dynamic changes in women’s subjective well-being across the life cycle and highlights the strategic importance of leisure activities in enhancing women’s quality of life. Future research could employ longitudinal tracking designs to explore the causal mechanisms between these variables in greater depth, while also considering the multifaceted influences of cultural background and psychosocial factors.
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publishDate 2025-06-01
publisher Frontiers Media S.A.
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spelling doaj-art-eaa84c4e72d34b3cb178d4cddb3caa252025-08-20T02:35:57ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Public Health2296-25652025-06-011310.3389/fpubh.2025.15707051570705Leisure activity participation, health status, and subjective well-being of adult women: a cross-sectional study from a life cycle perspective in ChinaNan Xiao0Nan Xiao1Yuhua Ma2Yang Zhao3Pengfei Li4Zhaoxiang Li5Jie Yang6Shandong Sport University, Jinan, ChinaQufu Normal University, Qufu, ChinaShandong Sport University, Jinan, ChinaCity University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, ChinaShandong Sport University, Jinan, ChinaQufu Normal University, Qufu, ChinaShandong Sport University, Jinan, ChinaObjectiveBased on life cycle theory, this study aims to explore the changes in leisure activity participation, health status, and subjective well-being among women at different life stages, and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Additionally, the study examines the moderating effects of demographic characteristics.MethodsThis study used data from the China General Social Survey (CGSS) and employed a cross-sectional research design to compare data from women in early adulthood, early maturity, and late maturity. Stepwise regression and mediation analysis were applied to systematically examine the complex relationships between leisure activity participation, health status, and subjective well-being.ResultsThe results indicate that women in early adulthood report significantly higher levels of subjective well-being and health status than those in early and late maturity stages. Furthermore, leisure activity participation showed significant changes across the life cycle. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that the impact of leisure activity participation on subjective well-being varied across different life stages, but health status remained a key determinant of well-being. Mediation analysis further confirmed that health status partially mediated the relationship between leisure activity participation and subjective well-being.ConclusionThis study provides an in-depth examination of the dynamic changes in women’s subjective well-being across the life cycle and highlights the strategic importance of leisure activities in enhancing women’s quality of life. Future research could employ longitudinal tracking designs to explore the causal mechanisms between these variables in greater depth, while also considering the multifaceted influences of cultural background and psychosocial factors.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1570705/fulllife cycleleisure activitiessubjective well-beinghealth statuswomen’s development
spellingShingle Nan Xiao
Nan Xiao
Yuhua Ma
Yang Zhao
Pengfei Li
Zhaoxiang Li
Jie Yang
Leisure activity participation, health status, and subjective well-being of adult women: a cross-sectional study from a life cycle perspective in China
Frontiers in Public Health
life cycle
leisure activities
subjective well-being
health status
women’s development
title Leisure activity participation, health status, and subjective well-being of adult women: a cross-sectional study from a life cycle perspective in China
title_full Leisure activity participation, health status, and subjective well-being of adult women: a cross-sectional study from a life cycle perspective in China
title_fullStr Leisure activity participation, health status, and subjective well-being of adult women: a cross-sectional study from a life cycle perspective in China
title_full_unstemmed Leisure activity participation, health status, and subjective well-being of adult women: a cross-sectional study from a life cycle perspective in China
title_short Leisure activity participation, health status, and subjective well-being of adult women: a cross-sectional study from a life cycle perspective in China
title_sort leisure activity participation health status and subjective well being of adult women a cross sectional study from a life cycle perspective in china
topic life cycle
leisure activities
subjective well-being
health status
women’s development
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1570705/full
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