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Associations Between Enjoyable Activities and Uplifting Events: Effects on Momentary Positive Affect in Adulthood.
Shang-Ti Chen1, Jinshil Hyun2, Alan R Graefe3
1Department of Tourism, Recreation, and Leisure Studies, National Dong Hwa University.
Journal of Leisure Research
|October 10, 2022
Summary
Engaging in enjoyable activities boosts momentary positive affect (PA). For those with less frequent enjoyable activities, uplifting events significantly increase PA, with effects consistent across adult age ranges.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Gerontology
- Affective Science
Background:
- Positive affect (PA) is crucial for well-being.
- Understanding factors influencing daily PA is essential.
- Age-related differences in PA regulation are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how participation in enjoyable activities and experiencing uplifting events influence momentary positive affect (PA).
- To examine potential age differences in these influences among adults aged 25-66.
Main Methods:
- Utilized ecological momentary assessments (EMAs) with 176 adults (ages 25-66).
- Data collected 5 times daily for 14 days to capture real-time experiences.
- Analyzed the relationship between enjoyable activities, uplifting events, and momentary PA, including moderation by activity frequency and age.
Main Results:
- Individuals reported higher PA following uplifting events (p < 0.05).
- This association was stronger for individuals participating less frequently in enjoyable activities (p < 0.05).
- The moderating effect of enjoyable activities on PA was consistent across all adult age groups studied.
Conclusions:
- Habitual engagement in enjoyable activities is linked to higher baseline PA in daily life.
- Infrequent engagement in enjoyable activities makes individuals more reliant on recent uplifting events for experiencing PA.
- These findings highlight the importance of regular enjoyable activities for sustained positive affect across adulthood.
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