The effects of physically active leisure on stress-health relationships

In this article, the effects of physically active leisure on the relationsh ips between stress and health are examined using structural equation modeli ng (SEM). The analyses are based on data from Canada's 1994 National Popula tion Health Survey (n = 17,626). Overall, physically active leisure was fou nd to directly contribute to higher levels of physical health and wellbeing , and lower levels of mental ill-health among Canadians. When the responden ts experienced higher levels of chronic stress, life event stress, and/or w ork stress, involvement in physically active leisure appeared to help them maintain good health and wellbeing. Also, higher levels of participation in physically active leisure helped paid workers suppress levels of work stre ss. Agencies involved in health promotion and lifestyle intervention should give greater consideration to physically active leisure. As a significant component of an active lifestyle, physic-ally active leisure can contribute to better health, and provide a valuable resource for coping with stress.