Leisure activities and feelings of stress in the workplace. The mediating role of emotional reactivity and activity

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between being stressed in the work environment and different leisure activities, also whether specific temperamental characteristics compatible with Regulative Theory of Temperament by Strelau - emotional reactivity and activity – influence the connection between above mentioned variables in a major way. The study included 124 professionally active participants with age ranging from 18 through to 65 years old. It was conducted through paper-pencil method in stationary mode using three tools: Formal Characteristics of Behaviour – Temperament Questionnaire Revised Version, Subjective Work Assessment Questionnaire and Free Time Spending Questionnaire. Results showed that as the level of stress at work increases, relaxation and physical activity decreases, as well as activity, while emotional reactivity increases. At the same time, the higher the relaxation and physical activity, the higher level of activity and the lower emotional reactivity. Moreover, those two temperament traits can modify the relationship between leisure and workplace stress.