Examining the relationship between health beliefs, recreation benefits, activity satisfaction and happiness levels of individuals participating in sport recreational activities

This study aimed to examine the relationships among health beliefs, recreation benefits, activity satisfaction, and happiness levels of individuals participating in sportive recreational activities and to reveal the structural relationships among these variables. The study was conducted within the framework of the relational survey model based on quantitative research methods. The study group consisted of 473 individuals participating in sportive recreational activities in Gümüşhane and Bayburt, Türkiye. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Health Belief Scale for Sportive Recreational Activities, the Recreation Benefit Scale, the Activity Satisfaction Scale, and the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire Short Form. SPSS and AMOS were used for data analysis, and descriptive statistics, reliability analyses, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling were performed. The findings indicated significant positive relationships among health beliefs, recreation benefits, activity satisfaction, and happiness. Significant differences were also identified in certain scales and sub-dimensions according to gender, age, education, marital status, income level, and participation frequency. Structural model results showed that health beliefs significantly predicted recreation benefits, recreation benefits significantly affected activity satisfaction, and activity satisfaction significantly predicted happiness. Furthermore, recreation benefits mediated the relationship between health beliefs and activity satisfaction, while recreation benefits and activity satisfaction jointly had a serial mediating effect between health beliefs and happiness. In conclusion, health beliefs increase perceived recreation benefits, which enhance activity satisfaction and thereby contribute positively to happiness.