Previous research indicates that leisure activities outside work or academics can boost overall well-being and life satisfaction. However, how people perceive these activities' contribution to their sense of purpose has been underexplored.
University of Toronto researchers recently published a study in Communications Psychology examining the link between effort in leisure activities and perceived meaning. They discovered that more demanding pastimes like Sudoku are considered more meaningful, though just as enjoyable as less strenuous ones such as watching social media videos.
Communications Psychology"This study was driven by our prior research and others' work on the paradoxical nature of effort," Aidan Campbell, lead author, told Medical Xpress. "Although often seen as frustrating or unpleasant, many actively seek out effort, viewing it as virtuous and value-enhancing."
In their new study, researchers explored how effort relates to meaning in more realistic leisure activities people engage in during free time.
"We've also been noting AI's growth and its impact on people," said Campbell. "This motivated a prior investigation comparing writing with AI assistance versus independently, where we found manual work felt more meaningful."
He added: "As automation progresses, leading to potential loss of work hours and increased leisure time, effortful pastimes might serve as an alternate source of meaning."
The team conducted several experiments, including a survey among over 1,000 Toronto undergraduates, assessing their perceptions about meaningful free-time activities.
Communications Psychology"We also collaborated with puzzle company Amuse Labs to compare Sudoku puzzles against less demanding leisure like watching YouTube," Campbell explained. "In another study, we followed participants' daily activities via digital tracking over approximately a week."
The data confirmed that effortful pastimes are typically seen as more meaningful. Interestingly, people often underestimate how enjoyable these activities might be.
"This was clear in our real-life study," noted Campbell. "While work-like tasks were rated meaningful but less enjoyable, participants incorrectly anticipated that more demanding leisure would also feel less pleasant."
Overall, the research suggests effortful pastimes can enhance perceived meaning, with benefits for people's sense of life purpose.
"We expect this study to inspire further exploration in how different types of activities influence people's well-being and sense of purpose," Campbell concluded. "Understanding 'why' effort boosts meaning remains another key research avenue."
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