Neuroticism Reimagined: The Transformative Power of Leisure in Relationships

Year 2025, Volume: 3 Issue: 1, 117 - 134, 20.03.2025

Levent Önal

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between neuroticism, leisure satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction, focusing on the mediating role of leisure satisfaction in mitigating the negative effects of neuroticism. Utilizing a quantitative approach, data were collected from a sample of 452 participants through validated survey instruments. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to test two models: (1) the direct impact of neuroticism on leisure satisfaction and relationship satisfaction, and (2) the mediating effect of leisure satisfaction on the relationship between neuroticism and relationship satisfaction. Findings revealed that neuroticism negatively affects both leisure satisfaction and relationship satisfaction in the direct model. However, in the mediational model, leisure satisfaction played a significant positive role, partially buffering the adverse effects of neuroticism on relationship satisfaction. Fit indices for both models demonstrated robust results, supporting the validity of the proposed relationships. The study concludes that fostering leisure satisfaction may serve as a practical intervention strategy to improve relationship outcomes in couples experiencing challenges due to neurotic tendencies. These findings contribute to the literature by emphasizing the transformative potential of leisure experiences in enhancing personal and relational well-being, paving the way for future research and applications in psychology and relationship counseling.

Keywords

Neuroticism, Leisure Satisfaction, Relationship Satisfaction, Couples’ Well-being

Nevrotizmi Yeniden Anlamak: İlişkilerde Boş Zamanın Dönüştürücü Gücü

Abstract

Bu çalışmada, nevrotiklik, boş zaman tatmini ve ilişki tatmini arasındaki ilişki araştırılmış ve nevrotikliğin olumsuz etkilerini azaltmada boş zaman tatmininin aracılık rolüne odaklanılmıştır. Nicel bir yaklaşım kullanılarak, geçerliliği doğrulanmış anket araçları aracılığıyla 452 katılımcıdan oluşan bir örneklemden veri toplanmıştır. İki modeli test etmek için yapısal eşitlik modellemesi (SEM) kullanılmıştır: (1) Nevrotikliğin boş zaman tatmini ve ilişki tatmini üzerindeki doğrudan etkisi ve (2) nevrotiklik ile ilişki tatmini arasındaki ilişkide boş zaman tatmininin aracılık etkisi incelenmiştir. Nevrotikliğin doğrudan modelde hem boş zaman tatminini hem de ilişki tatminini olumsuz etkilediği bulgulanmıştır. Ancak aracılık modelinde boş zaman tatmini önemli bir pozitif rol oynamış ve nevrotikliğin ilişki tatmini üzerindeki olumsuz etkilerini kısmen tamponladığı tespit edilmiştir. Her iki model için de uyum indeksleri, önerilen ilişkilerin geçerliliğini destekleyen sağlam sonuçlar göstermiştir. Çalışma, boş zaman tatminini teşvik etmenin, nevrotik eğilimler nedeniyle zorluklar yaşayan çiftlerde ilişki sonuçlarını iyileştirmek için pratik bir müdahale stratejisi olarak hizmet edebileceği sonucuna varmıştır. Bu bulgular, boş zaman deneyimlerinin kişisel ve ilişkisel refahı artırmada dönüştürücü potansiyelini vurgulayarak literatüre katkıda bulunmakta, psikoloji ve ilişki danışmanlığında gelecekteki araştırma ve uygulamalara zemin hazırlamaktadır.

Keywords

Nevrotiklik, Boş Zaman Doyumu, İlişki Doyumu, Çiftlerin Refahı

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