Flourishing and time use among university students: preliminary evidence from ad hoc survey data

This study examines the relationship between university students’ time use and psychological flourishing, focusing on the mediating role of leisure. Using cross-sectional survey data from the University of Messina (spring 2024) analysed with post-stratification weights, a Generalized Structural Equation Model disentangle direct and indirect associations between sociodemographic, attitudinal, and behavioural factors and eudaimonic well-being. Active forms of leisure (volunteering, sport, and general leisure), are positively associated with flourishing, whereas passive media use shows a negative link. Commuting indirectly reduces flourishing by limiting participation in active leisure. Students with more traditional gender-role attitudes report higher flourishing, possibly due to cultural value alignment. The findings underscore the importance of promoting inclusive and meaningful leisure opportunities to foster student well-being in higher education.