Leisure Satisfaction as a Mediator of the Relationship Between Recreational Area Preferences and Flow Experiences

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to examine the relationship between recreational area preferences and recreational flow
experiences in green leisure participants, particularly focusing on the mediating effect of leisure satisfaction.
Method: The study involved 663 adults aged 18–65. Participants completed three standardized scales. The factor structure
of the scales was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis, and the mediation model was tested using Hayes' PROCESS
Macro (Model 4) with 5,000 bootstrap samples.
Results: The results revealed that recreational area preferences are positively related to green leisure participants’
recreational flow experiences. The effects of leisure satisfaction were shown to mediate the relationship between recreational
area preferences and recreational flow experiences (ΔR² = .10, P≤ .001).
Conclusion: The findings indicate that leisure satisfaction is not only an outcome but also an important process contributing
to the relationship between recreational area preferences and flow experiences. Accordingly, it is suggested that green space
designs incorporating active and passive areas, sensory features, and structured programs may facilitate users' more intense
and meaningful experiences.