The effects of physically active leisure on stress-health relationships

Abstract

In this article, the effects of physically active leisure on the relationships between stress and health are examined using structural equation modeling (SEM). The analyses are based on data from Canada's 1994 National Population Health Survey (n = 17,626). Overall, physically active leisure was found to directly contribute to higher levels of physical health and wellbeing, and lower levels of mental ill-health among Canadians. When the respondents experienced higher levels of chronic stress, life event stress, and/or work stress, involvement in physically active leisure appeared to help them maintain good health and wellbeing. Also, higher levels of participation in physically active leisure helped paid workers suppress levels of work stress. Agencies involved in health promotion and lifestyle intervention should give greater consideration to physically active leisure. As a significant component of an active lifestyle, physically active leisure can contribute to better health, and provide a valuable resource for coping with stress.