Parenthood and Well-Being: The Mediation of Leisure Time

Abstract

In this study the mediation effects of leisure time on the effects of parenthood on well-being for parents were examined. Cross-sectional data was drawn from the Brithish Household Panel Survey (BHPS). It is hypothesized that effects of parenthood on well-being for parents are mediated by leisure time, especially for women. Also the mediation effects of the age of children and the number of children were examined. It turned out that the effects were not mediated by leisure time. However, parenthood is negatively related with the amount and satisfaction of leisure time for both men and women and the number of children for men is negatively related with the amount of leisure time. Also, the amount of leisure time is positively related with physical well-being for women, whereas for men leisure time satisfaction is positively related with physical well-being.