Happiness levels of nursing students in relation to leisure time management: a multicenter study

Leisure time activities are recognized as important contributors to psychological well-being and life satisfaction. Nursing students, due to intensive academic and clinical demands, may experience high levels of stress that restrict their participation in leisure activities. However, evidence regarding how leisure time management relates to happiness among nursing students, particularly in multicenter contexts, remains limited. This study aimed to examine the association between leisure time management and happiness among nursing students. This cross-sectional descriptive and correlational multicenter study was conducted with nursing students from four universities in Türkiye in 2025. The study population consisted of 2,097 students, and the sample included 889 participants recruited through convenience sampling via an online survey (response rate: 42.4%). Data were collected using the Student Information Form, the Free Time Management Scale (FTMS), and the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. The mean FTMS score was 3.56 ± 0.60, and the mean OHQ score was 3.68 ± 0.69. Students who participated in leisure activities and allocated sufficient time for such activities had significantly higher FTMS and OHQ scores ( p < 0.05). A moderate positive correlation was found between FTMS and OHQ scores ( r = 0.389, p < 0.001). Hierarchical regression showed that leisure time management remained significantly and positively associated with happiness after adjustment for control variables (β = 0.337, p < 0.001). The final model explained 23.6% of the variance in happiness (R² = 0.236), and leisure time management added 10.8% additional explained variance (ΔR² = 0.108, p < 0.001). Leisure time management was positively associated with happiness among nursing students and may represent a modifiable psychosocial resource for enhancing well-being. The multicenter findings provide broader evidence supporting the integration of structured leisure and time management strategies into nursing education. Interventions aimed at improving time management skills and facilitating access to leisure opportunities may support students’ well-being. Future longitudinal and experimental studies are recommended to clarify causal pathways.