Analysing the effect of trip satisfaction on satisfaction with the leisure activity at the destination of the trip, in relationship with life satisfaction

摘要

Previous studies have indicated that positive (or negative) experiences of activity episodes are likely to correlate with positive (or negative) evaluations of a persons' life. An accumulation of short-term experiences can positively or negatively affect life satisfaction, while it is also plausible that this long-term satisfaction affects emotions experienced during an activity. In this study we analyse how (1) satisfaction with a trip towards the most recent leisure activity, (2) satisfaction with that activity and (3) life satisfaction are correlated with each other, by executing a structural equation modelling approach. Results of this studyusing data from a cross-sectional survey of 1213 respondents residing in the city of Ghent (Belgium)suggest that life satisfaction has an important effect on both travel satisfaction and activity satisfaction. On the other hand, there seems to be a stronger effect from activity satisfaction on life satisfaction than from travel satisfaction on life satisfaction, suggesting that travel satisfaction mainly has an indirect effect on life satisfaction, through participation inand satisfaction withleisure activities.