The Effect of Informal Gatherings on Sustainable Participation in Leisure Sport Activities: The Case of South Korea

Do informal gatherings with members in group leisure sports increase satisfaction and sustainable participation? The purpose of this study was to investigate the moderating role of informal gatherings with regard to self-determined motivation (SDM), leisure satisfaction (LS), and intention to participate sustainably (INPS) in the context of group leisure sports. An empirical analysis of a sample of 423 adults participating in group leisure sports was conducted. Structural equation modeling revealed that SDM exerted a statistically significant impact on LS, and, in turn, LS was conducive to INPS. The multigroup analysis indicated that informal gatherings played a significant moderating role in the relationship between non-self-determined extrinsic motivation and LS. Certain sociodemographic characteristics and sports participation behavior were ascertained as control variables. This study theoretically contributes to the expansion of self-determination theory, affirming the effect of informal gatherings as a unique variable and suggesting practical implications for sustainable leisure participation.

Automated summary

The study found that informal gatherings in group leisure sports can increase satisfaction and enhance sustainable participation. There is a significant impact between participants' self-determined motivation and leisure satisfaction, and leisure satisfaction has a positive effect on intention to sustainably participate. Additionally, informal gatherings play an important moderating role in the relationship between extrinsic motivation and leisure satisfaction.