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The Relationship Between Serious Leisure Characteristics and Subjective Well-Being of Older Adult Volunteers: The Moderating Effect of Spousal Support

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between serious leisure characteristics and subjective well-being as well as clarify the moderating effect of spousal support in their relationships. A total of 264 valid questionnaires were collected from a sample of older adult volunteers in Taiwan. Structural equation modeling was used to estimate a model linking serious leisure, spousal support to subjective wellbeing. As expected, the results show that older adult volunteers having greater serious leisure characteristics lead to a high level of subjective well-being. The findings further revealed that spousal support moderated the effect of serious leisure characteristics on subjective well-being. This indicates that the higher the level of spousal support, the larger is the likelihood that serious leisure will lead to greater subjective well-being. The results are suggested to be useful references for the older adult volunteers while improving spousal support, in order to increase the level of well-being.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Recreation Sport and Health Promotion, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, 1, Hseuh Fu Rd., Neipu, Pingtung, Taiwan

    Kuan-Yu Chen

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Correspondence to Kuan-Yu Chen.

Appendix: Dimensions and measurement items of serious leisure characteristics

Appendix: Dimensions and measurement items of serious leisure characteristics

  1. 1.

    Perseverance (three items)

    • Taking part in volunteering even though I am busy.

      Taking part in volunteering even though I feel tired.

      Taking part in volunteering even though I feel depressed.

  2. 2.

    Have careers in their endeavors (three items)

    • Volunteering is an important part of my lifestyle.

      If there is no volunteering in my life, I will feel bored.

      I will take part in volunteering on a long-term basis.

  3. 3.

    Significant personal effort (three items)

    • I devote considerable effort and time to taking part in volunteering.

      In order to enhance my expertise in volunteering, I would like to put money and time into training related to volunteering.

      In order to enhance the expertise in volunteering, I would like to spend money purchasing books and tapes related to interpretation.

  4. 4.

    Durable individual benefits (six items)

    • Volunteering allows me to achieve self-actualization.

      Volunteering allows me to achieve self-expression.

      Volunteering allows me to achieve feelings of accomplishment.

      Volunteering allows me to achieve self-enrichment.

      Volunteering allows me to make friends with other interpretive volunteers.

      Volunteering can increase my physical strength.

  5. 5.

    Unique ethos (three items)

    • For getting along with other members of the volunteering fraternity on a long-term basis, we develop common beliefs, values, and norms.

      I will get together with members of the volunteering fraternity privately for volunteering or other activities.

      When I get together with members of the volunteering fraternity privately, I can speak out freely.

  6. 6.

    Identify strongly with the activity (three items)

    • In my opinion, few other leisure activities can replace volunteering.

      I like to watch television programs related to interpretive volunteers in daily lives.

      I like to share interesting events about volunteering with other persons.

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Chen, KY. The Relationship Between Serious Leisure Characteristics and Subjective Well-Being of Older Adult Volunteers: The Moderating Effect of Spousal Support. Soc Indic Res 119, 197–210 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-013-0496-3

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