Leisure Activities Enhance Self-Esteem and Well-Being in Adolescents

Recent research from the University of Liverpool highlights the significant role that leisure activities play in promoting mental health and social development among teenagers. The study, based on data from the Millennium Cohort Study and published in the Journal of Leisure Research, focused on over 12,000 adolescents in the UK, examining how their leisure pursuits at age 14 influence their mental health and prosocial behaviors at age 17.

During adolescence, individuals undergo critical phases of identity formation, friendship building, and early mental health challenges. The findings reveal that teenagers engaged in activities such as listening to music, reading, participating in youth clubs, visiting museums, or attending religious services tended to develop higher levels of self-esteem. This enhanced self-esteem was correlated with fewer mental health difficulties and increased acts of kindness and social responsibility three years later.

The research distinguishes itself by analyzing data at two different time points—ages 14 and 17—and by considering a spectrum of outcomes, both positive and negative. Unlike earlier studies that mainly linked leisure to adverse behaviors like aggression, this study emphasizes beneficial effects like emotional resilience and prosocial behavior.

Key findings include that greater participation in leisure activities at age 14 directly predicted improved mental health and social behavior at age 17, with self-esteem serving as a mediating factor. The results underscore the protective effect of leisure urges on mental well-being and social functioning.

Dr. Mengya Zhao, the lead author, emphasizes the importance of encouraging young people to engage in meaningful, interest-driven activities outside of school environments. Such pursuits not only offer relaxation but also foster a sense of purpose, identity, and self-worth. The study advocates for schools, families, and communities to prioritize accessible opportunities like music, reading, youth engagement, and volunteering to nurture resilience and positive development in adolescents.

Further research is needed to explore how different types of leisure activities and the structure of these activities influence adolescent outcomes. A key question remains whether leisure boosts self-esteem directly or if confident young people are naturally more inclined to participate in such activities.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-leisure-boost-esteem-teens.html