Leisure satisfaction and quality of life of residents in Ningbo, China

Quality of life (QOL) is enhanced by the satisfaction derived from leisure time. Much of the evidence for this relationship comes from research in Western nations. In contrast, this study explores the links between leisure satisfaction and QOL in China using the Leisure Satisfaction Scale (LSS) and the short form of the World Health Organization Quality of Life scale (WHOQOL-BREF). Data were collected from 940 urban Chinese in the City of Ningbo. We used multivariate multiple linear regression to determine whether leisure satisfaction and demographic variables are predictors of QOL. Results indicate that the LSS predicts all the QOL domains. Nonetheless, when the LSS dimensions are analyzed separately, only Psychological Satisfaction and Aesthetic Satisfaction predict each of the four WHOQOL-BREF domains. Among the demographic variables, only income predicts all WHOQOL-BREF domains, whereas other demographic variables predict some of the domains. This study adds new insights to understand relationships between leisure satisfaction, QOL, and demographic variables in the non-Western world.