Li Hui
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to determine the relationship between students’ extent of engagement in outdoor sports and their level of happiness. Mixed research approach through descriptive-correlational design and thematic analysis was used. A survey with 289 students from the School of Physical Education at Guangxi Normal University during the academic year 2022-2023 was used to collect the data, which were analyzed using frequency, percentage, weighted mean, Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient/t test for r, and thematic analysis. Results of the descriptive analysis showed that the participants engaged in outdoor sports activities to a moderate extent, and they are pretty happy about their engagement in outdoor sports activities. Moreover, inferential tests revealed that there exist no significant correlations between the participants’ extent of engagement in outdoor sports and their level of happiness along the paired dimensions. The problems and challenges encountered by the participants in their sports engagement include lack of exercise, limited time to participate in outdoor sports, negative attitude towards outdoor sports, inadequate playing fields and equipment, teachers’ limited physical strength, and unpredictable weather condition. Considering the study’s salient findings, the researcher designed a plan of action to enhance students’ engagement in outdoor sports and level of happiness.
Keywords:Happiness, outdoor sports, sports engagement
https://doi.org/10.57180/jhlh4931