Within self-control theory, do social benefits of leisure influence university students’ self-control through social bond?

Structured leisure activities are known to have a potential effect in controlling violent behaviour, substance use, and similar risk behaviours among youth. This study aims to test the effects of structured leisure activities on university students’ self-control within the theoretical framework of self-control theory and social bond theory. The research was conducted with 398 university students selected through stratified sampling from a population of 30,501 students. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling in Mplus. Consistent with the theoretical framework, the findings suggest that the social benefits of participating in structured leisure activities may contribute to the development of self-control through the mediating role of social connections. These results appear to be consistent with relevant theoretical assumptions among university youth. Furthermore, the findings may offer guidance to policymakers and practitioners in developing recreation-based programmes and practices aimed at supporting young people’s self-control skills.