AUTHOR=Xiao Nan , Ma Yuhua , Zhao Yang , Li Pengfei , Li Zhaoxiang , Yang Jie 

TITLE=Leisure activity participation, health status, and subjective well-being of adult women: a cross-sectional study from a life cycle perspective in China

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 13 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1570705

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2025.1570705

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=ObjectiveBased on life cycle theory, this study aims to explore the changes in leisure activity participation, health status, and subjective well-being among women at different life stages, and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Additionally, the study examines the moderating effects of demographic characteristics.MethodsThis study used data from the China General Social Survey (CGSS) and employed a cross-sectional research design to compare data from women in early adulthood, early maturity, and late maturity. Stepwise regression and mediation analysis were applied to systematically examine the complex relationships between leisure activity participation, health status, and subjective well-being.ResultsThe results indicate that women in early adulthood report significantly higher levels of subjective well-being and health status than those in early and late maturity stages. Furthermore, leisure activity participation showed significant changes across the life cycle. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that the impact of leisure activity participation on subjective well-being varied across different life stages, but health status remained a key determinant of well-being. Mediation analysis further confirmed that health status partially mediated the relationship between leisure activity participation and subjective well-being.ConclusionThis study provides an in-depth examination of the dynamic changes in women’s subjective well-being across the life cycle and highlights the strategic importance of leisure activities in enhancing women’s quality of life. Future research could employ longitudinal tracking designs to explore the causal mechanisms between these variables in greater depth, while also considering the multifaceted influences of cultural background and psychosocial factors.