Relationship between motivation for artistic activity engagement and happiness: mediating role of perceived stress and moderating role of gender

This study explored the relationship between motivation for artistic activity engagement and happiness in college students, the mediating role of perceived stress in this relationship, and the moderating role of gender in the relationship between motivation for artistic activity engagement and perceived stress. We administered a questionnaire to 445 students from 4 colleges in China. The results revealed that motivation for artistic activity engagement had a significant positive effect on college students’ happiness. Moreover, our mediation model analysis revealed that perceived stress partially mediated the relationship between motivation for artistic activity engagement and happiness in college students. Finally, the moderated mediation model analysis revealed that gender played a moderating role in the relationship between motivation for artistic activity engagement and perceived stress; specifically, the relationship was stronger for women than for men. The results of this study have value for further enhancing the happiness of college students. Furthermore, the study concluded with a discussion of the contributions and limitations.