In the process of achieving economic development, South Korea has prioritized the sense of accomplishment that comes through work (Han et al., 2019); leisure activities used to be thought of only as ancillary means of improving labor productivity. Over the past decades, many Koreans have had negative attitudes about leisure activities that did not seem productive. Due to rapid economic development led by the government, incomes increased and the standard of living greatly improved, but Koreans’ satisfaction with life and their level of happiness remained low compared to other countries (Doh & Chung, 2020; Helliwell et al., 2019; World Bank, 2021). Most Koreans did not feel happy while engaging in leisure activities.
As Koreans have recently become increasingly interested in the topic of happiness, leisure has come into focus as a way of improving well-being (Doh & Chung, 2020; Han et al., 2020). Growth in the number of leisure-related studies has contributed to life satisfaction for individuals (Ragheb & Griffith, 1982; Ray, 1979; Riddick, 1986) and families (Alan, 2009; Holman & Jacquart, 1988; Orthner & Mancini, 1990; Zabriskie & McCormick, 2003) and the body of Korean literature related to the effects of leisure on life satisfaction is also growing (Doh & Chung, 2020; Jeong & Won, 2002; Kim & Lee, 2011). However, previous leisure studies focused on participation in leisure activities and its effect on life satisfaction, and studies related to leisure attitudes and leisure policies were insufficient in number. Additionally, most Korean researchers have indicated that participation in leisure activities has been associated with a higher quality of life among Korean adolescents (Lee, 2005), college students (Lee, 2010), and older adults (Son, 2017), but few researchers have studied caregivers for young children in Korea. Therefore, it would be meaningful to explore the relationships among attitude toward leisure, satisfaction with leisure policy, satisfaction with leisure activities, and happiness in Korean caregivers for young children.
Attitude toward Leisure
Veblen (1994) regarded leisure as a symbol of wealth and an activity different from work and/or unproductively spent time. Similarly, some researchers have approached leisure (as opposed to work hours) as a time to pursue pleasure, engage in voluntary activities, and experience a feeling of freedom (Edginton, & Chen, 2008; Leitner & Leitner, 2004; Stebbins, 2009). Others viewed leisure’s primary function as preparation for work, or even as compensation for the alienating effect of work (Meyer & Niezgoda, 2018). Attitude toward leisure is defined as a willingness or predisposition to engage in leisure activities (Ragheb & Beard 1982). Attitudes toward leisure include beliefs, feelings, perceptions, knowledge, and behavioral components associated with leisure (Stockdale, 1985; Teixeira & Freire, 2013). In Korea, attitude toward leisure is usually assessed based on individuals’ perceptions or beliefs about participating in leisure activities. These belief systems have changed because of social changes in Korea (Han et al., 2020). In the past, leisure was recognized and enjoyed as a subsidiary means to increase the production and efficiency of labor; however, leisure is now viewed as something that contributes to personal happiness and life satisfaction (Jeung & Yoon, 2014; Han et al., 2020).
One’s attitude toward leisure affects one’s satisfaction with one’s leisure time and activities. Some studies have shown that a positive attitude toward leisure is positively associated with a desire to participate in leisure activities (Ragheb & Tate, 1993), which results in the development of satisfaction with leisure activities and time (Haworth & Lewis, 2005; Kim et al., 2015). When an individual’s perceptions or emotions about leisure are positive, their satisfaction with leisure activities and time and with quality of life improve (Kim, 2009). In addition, other Korean research supports the idea that a positive attitude toward leisure is positively correlated with satisfaction with leisure activities and time among college students (Choi & Yoo, 2017; Kim et al., 2015).
Satisfaction with Leisure Policy
Leisure policy acknowledges the demand for leisure and systematically devises a plan to support leisure activities in accordance with individuals’ basic rights (Han et al., 2020). Leisure policies come from leisure-related government agencies that aim to increase people’s participation in leisure, create leisure spaces, administrate leisure policy processes, and secure leisure environments (Cho, 2014). Since 1960, when overcoming national poverty was a top priority, Korea has pursued a labor-intensive production policy that relies on limited human resources. After growing as a labor-production-oriented society, Korea has established various leisure policies to reduce working hours and expand leisure time and activities to improve the quality of life for individuals (Han et al., 2020). For example, adopting policies such as five days or 52 hours of work per week and expanding the alternative holiday system increased individual leisure activities (Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, 2016).
Although environments where people can engage in leisure have improved and more public leisure facilities have been created through these policies, questions have arisen about the effect of these policies on the satisfaction that comes from leisure in Korea. The goal of the leisure policies was to improve the quality of life of individuals, but in practical terms, it was a supplier-oriented policy that did not take into account those who participate in leisure activities in Korea (Han et al., 2020). Therefore, the recognition and the evaluation of leisure policies have become important research topics as they relate to satisfaction with leisure activities. Some Korean research found a positive relationship between satisfaction with leisure policy and satisfaction with leisure activities (Han et al., 2019; Heo, 2014), but related studies are still scarce.
Satisfaction with Leisure and Happiness
Satisfaction with leisure is understood as an individual’s positive evaluation of participating in leisure activities (Ragheb & Tate, 1993). According to Beard and Ragheb (1980; Ateca-Amestoy, 2011), satisfaction with leisure is defined as positive personal perceptions or feelings derived from participating in leisure activities and resulting in the fulfillment of personal needs. Happiness is considered essential to an individual’s life. According to the Greek philosopher Aristotle, a happy life is a virtuous life (McMahon, 2006). The term happiness is defined as “positive affect and subjective well-being” (Myers & Diener, 1995; Diener et al., 2002) and is influenced by genetics, circumstances, and attitudes (Seligman, 2002). The concept of happiness is also related to life satisfaction or evaluation, subjective well-being, eudaimonia (i.e., psychological well-being), quality of life, or affect (Cho, 2017).
A considerable amount of literature has shown a positive association between satisfaction with leisure activities and psychological well-being, life satisfaction, or happiness. According to Freire and Teixeira (2018), leisure satisfaction has a direct effect on self-esteem, satisfaction with life, and psychological well-being. Kaya (2016) found a positive association between satisfaction with leisure activities and happiness among college students. Leisure satisfaction influences life satisfaction in Korean adolescents (Shin & You, 2013). Wang et al.’s (2008) study showed, with regard to online games, a significant positive relationship between the physiological and aesthetic elements of leisure satisfaction and life satisfaction for adolescents. All these studies provide empirical evidence that leisure satisfaction enhances happiness.
Recently, leisure-related research in non-Western countries has been increasing, but few studies have researched leisure in the context of caregivers in Korea. Leisure has had an impact on the lives of young children and their caregivers (Doh, 2014; Moon, 2001). The happiness of caregivers affects children’s well-being and social and emotional development (Kim, 2019). Leisure was found to play a role in ultimately improving the psychological satisfaction of parents and enhancing family health by preventing and/or alleviating stress (Choi, 2008). Therefore, research on the relationship between leisure and happiness in Korean caregivers for young children is essential.
Hypothesized model of attitude toward leisure, satisfaction with leisure policy, satisfaction with leisure activities, and happiness
Based on previous studies, it is plausible that one’s attitude toward leisure and satisfaction with leisure policy would lead to satisfaction with leisure activities and that satisfaction, in turn, would increase happiness. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the hypothesized full mediational model in which attitude toward leisure, satisfaction with leisure policy, and happiness are fully mediated by satisfaction with leisure activities. Level of happiness has been reported differently by the different sexes. Subjective well-being was shown to be higher in women than in men, but the difference is not known to be significant (Frey & Stutzer, 2002). Some Korean studies have shown gender differences in levels of happiness (Jung et al., 2019; Kim et al., 2003). The present study sought to explore gender differences in the latent variables and the mediating pathway from attitude toward leisure and satisfaction with leisure policy to level of happiness, via satisfaction with leisure activities; structural equation modeling (SEM) with a nationally representative sample of Korean caregivers for young children (see Figure 1), latent mean analysis (LMA), and multigroup structural model analysis were used for the purpose. The results would increase researchers’ understanding of the link between leisure and happiness and provide useful insights to improve the relationship between Korean caregivers and the young children in their care.