University students' participation in campus-based events

Purpose This study examined university students’ participation in campus-based events (CBEs). Using the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) theory, the study specifically assessed the effect of motivation on emotional attachment and experiential value and how these affect the satisfaction and subjective well-being of students. Design/methodology/approach An online questionnaire programmed using the Kobo toolbox was used to collect data from 840 CBE participants in August 2023. AMOS Graphics version 23 was used to establish the measurement and structural model to be validated and tested. Findings The study found that the organismic elements (emotional attachment and experiential value) significantly mediated stimulus (motivation) and response (satisfaction and subjective well-being). In all, the six hypotheses tested were significant. Practical implications The study’s findings suggest that CBE stakeholders must consider the underlying motivations of students, the emotional attachment, and experiential values likely to be derived when designing and organizing CBE activities, and use impactful advertising media to entice and arouse students’ interest in participating in CBEs. Originality/value The study contributes to the understanding of the factors that influence CBE participants’ satisfaction and subjective well-being. The study’s focus on motivation, emotional attachment, and experiential value provides insights into developing effective strategies for the events industry.