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Air Pollution as a Moderator in the Association Between Leisure Activities and Well-Being in Urban China

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  • Po-Ju Chang

    (National Taiwan University)

  • Rui Song

    (Chinese Academy of Social Science)

  • Yeqiang Lin

    (California Polytechnic State University)

Abstract

The positive effects of leisure in natural environments on well-being have been widely documented. However, people engaging in outdoor leisure activities in urban China may be exposed to severe air pollution. Air pollution is a global environmental concern. Therefore, investigating the moderating effects of air pollution on the relationship between leisure and well-being is important. In this study, the stress recovery and attention recovery theories were used to examine whether leisure in natural environments is preferable to other types of leisure activities in urban China considering the risk of exposure to air pollution. National survey and environmental data were used to investigate the associations among three types of leisure activities, namely home-based, indoor, and outdoor activities, and subjective well-being (SWB). The effect of air pollution and depression was also examined. The results indicate that indoor and outdoor leisure has a positive impact on SWB irrespective of air pollution exposure. The study participants from urban China may have become used to living with subpar levels of air quality and thus may be unable to perceive the negative influence of air pollution in their daily lives.

Suggested Citation

  • Po-Ju Chang & Rui Song & Yeqiang Lin, 2019. "Air Pollution as a Moderator in the Association Between Leisure Activities and Well-Being in Urban China," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 20(8), pages 2401-2430, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:20:y:2019:i:8:d:10.1007_s10902-018-0055-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-018-0055-3
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    2. Cui, Liyuan & Chen, Zeyu & Huang, Yanfen & Yu, Huayi, 2024. "Window dressing: Changes in atmospheric pollution at boundaries in response to regional environmental policy in China," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 125(C).
    3. Djoumessi, Berenger Tiague, 2022. "Air Pollution, Avoidance Behavior and Labor Supply: Evidence from the United States," SocArXiv czpf4, Center for Open Science.

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