Components of Life Satisfaction in Middle and Later Life Adults: Perceived Social Competence, Leisure Participation, and Leisure Satisfaction

Abstract

This study examined the relationship of perceived social competence to leisure participation, leisure satisfaction and life satisfaction in middle-aged and older adults. Data collected from a questionnaire were analyzed using causal modeling and path analysis. Findings based upon the analysis indicated that for the sample data a) age was not related to perceptions of social competence, b) perceived social competence was a factor in the level of participation in leisure activities, c) the relationship of perceived social competence to different leisure activities is complex, and d) perceptions of social competence affected leisure participation and leisure satisfaction, thereby affecting life satisfaction. Implications of the findings suggest a need for greater attention to the social demands of activities as well as the social abilities of participants. There is a need for better instrumentation to assess perceptions of social competence and means for improving individuals' perceptions of social abilities should be explored.