Moderating effects of recreation opportunities on the relationship between leisure and wellbeing among children and youth

This study investigated relationships between leisure participation, social connections, and overall wellbeing among children and youth, and examined moderating effects of perceived quality and accessibility of recreation facilities and of constraints on this relationship. Using data provided by children and youth aged 9 to 18 years from a 2021 survey, feelings of loneliness were found to significantly mediate the association between leisure participation and wellbeing. Greater perceived access to recreation facilities and fewer perceived constraints to leisure participation significantly moderated the association between leisure participation and feelings of loneliness. Leisure participation can enhance the wellbeing of children and youth through perceived social affiliation, and accessibility of and constraints to leisure opportunities moderate the relationship between leisure participation and perceived affiliation, thereby affecting overall wellbeing. Leisure service providers can ensure children have access to community recreation facilities and help them navigate perceived barriers that inhibit their participation.