Sport Psychology Studies

Sport Psychology Studies

The Effect of Serious Leisure Time on the Life Satisfaction of People with Disabilities and Veterans: The Mediating Role of Happiness

Document Type : Original research

Authors
Department of Sports Management, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran.
Abstract
Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of serious leisure on life satisfaction of people with disabilities and veterans, with happiness as a mediator.
Materials and Methods: The research method was applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-correlational survey in terms of data collection method. The statistical population of this study was people with disabilities and veterans of Khorasan Razavi, including physically, visually, and hearing disabled people and veterans. Considering the total number of questions in the questionnaires (29 questions), with an estimate of at least 2 times and a maximum of 10 times the number of questions, 183 questionnaires were finally completed. Also, convenience sampling method was used to select the sample. The data collection tools were standard questionnaires of serious leisure, life satisfaction questionnaire, and the shortened form of the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire. The reliability of the questionnaires was examined and confirmed with Cronbach's alpha. The validity of the questionnaires was confirmed with the opinions of 10 professors of sports management and psychology. Data analysis was performed using structural equation modeling in PLS software.
Findings: The results of the study showed that serious leisure has a positive and significant effect on the happiness of people with disabilities and veterans. Happiness also has a positive and significant effect on the life satisfaction of people with disabilities and veterans. Serious leisure has a positive and significant effect on the life satisfaction of people with disabilities and veterans. In addition, happiness plays a mediating role in the relationship between serious leisure and the life satisfaction of people with disabilities and veterans.
Conclusion: Therefore, it can be said that favorable planning for the continuous participation of people with disabilities and veterans in serious leisure activities can improve the life satisfaction and happiness of this segment of society.
Keywords
Subjects

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Volume 15, Issue 58
Autumn 2026
Pages 43-60

  • Receive Date 12 February 2025
  • Revise Date 17 September 2025
  • Accept Date 19 September 2025