The Mediating Role of Recreational Flow Experience in the Relationship Between Connectedness to Nature and Leisure Satisfaction Among Outdoor Sports Participants

The Mediating Role of Recreational Flow Experience in the Relationship Between Connectedness to Nature and Leisure Satisfaction Among Outdoor Sports Participants | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article The Mediating Role of Recreational Flow Experience in the Relationship Between Connectedness to Nature and Leisure Satisfaction Among Outdoor Sports Participants Erdoğan Ekinci, Fatih Mehmet Parlar, Özge Ercan, Nedim Tekin, and 2 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6917351/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Aim: In the context of outdoor sports, the bond individuals form with nature, the flow experience during activities, and the resulting leisure satisfaction offer a potential relationship that may influence the psychological dimensions of participation and overall well-being. This study aimed to examine the mediating role of recreational flow experience in the relationship between connectedness to nature and leisure satisfaction among outdoor sports participants in Turkey. Method: Data was collected from 396 participants using online scales. The acquired data were examined utilizing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Results: The findings revealed that connectedness to nature significantly and positively influenced both recreational flow experience and leisure satisfaction. Additionally, recreational flow experience was found to positively affect leisure satisfaction. Most notably, recreational flow experience was identified as a significant mediator in the relationship between connectedness to nature and leisure satisfaction, indicating that the effect of connectedness to nature on leisure satisfaction is largely mediated through flow experience. Conclusion: Consequently, the study highlights the critical importance of the bond with nature and the flow experience in enhancing leisure satisfaction through outdoor sports, confirming the functionality of the proposed leisure satisfaction model. Recommendations: It is recommended that outdoor sports activities be designed to both enhance participants' interaction with nature and promote flow experiences. Outdoor sports Flow experience Connectedness to nature Leisure satisfaction Figures Figure 1 Introduction Outdoor sports refer to activities performed in natural settings, regulated by rules and limitations set by participants [ 1 ]. Outdoor sports include various activities that involve direct engagement with the natural environment, categorized under this term [ 2 ]. Brymer et al. [ 3 ] characterize outdoor sports as activities that enhance the significance and value of participants' lives, promoting diverse connections through engagement with nature and demonstrating human capabilities. Huddart and Stott [ 4 ] assert that outdoor sports serve as activities through which participants experience peace, relaxation, and enjoyment in natural settings. Outdoor sports, performed in open environments, play a crucial role in enhancing human-nature interactions [ 5 ]. Outdoor sports activities inherently involve a fundamental structure in which participants embody the qualities of all components present in nature [ 6 ]. Recent studies indicate that a substantial proportion of individuals engage in diverse outdoor sports activities [ 1 , 7 ]. This increase highlights the necessity for a more thorough analysis of individuals' connections with nature. Connectedness to nature is a fundamental concept for comprehending the human-nature relationship [ 8 ]. It is characterized as the psychological bond and enduring orientation that an individual develops with the natural environment. Favorable views of the natural environment may promote participation in nature-based leisure activities. These activities enhance environmental awareness and positively influence individuals' physical and mental health [ 9 ]. Leisure satisfaction refers to a favorable cognitive or emotional condition that arises from meeting personal needs via engagement in leisure activities [ 10 ]. Leisure satisfaction significantly influences the propensity for repeated engagement in sports activities and the verbal expression of this inclination to others [ 11 ]. Flow experience is defined as a subjective state experienced by individuals when they are completely engaged in an activity, to the extent that they lose awareness of fatigue and external distractions [ 12 ]. Shang et al. [ 13 ] characterize flow experience as a state prominently observed in physical activities, which may positively affect social relationships. Theoretical Background and Hypothesis Development Connection with nature is essential in shaping individuals' perceptions of their relationship with the world [ 14 ]. Historically, humans have sought to connect with nature, which has significantly contributed to the attribution of meaning to life through cultural and social values. This arises from individuals experiencing a sense of connection to or belonging within the natural world [ 15 ]. Connectedness to nature refers to individuals' perceptions regarding their relationship with the natural environment [ 16 ]. The biophilia concept is grounded in a robust connection with nature, emphasizing humanity's intrinsic reliance on the natural environment [ 17 ]. Studies show that individuals' tendencies to assess their surroundings vary between natural and artificial elements [ 18 ], and positive experiences are associated with a sense of connection to nature [ 19 ]. Bratman et al. [ 20 ] posited that humans possess a universal and innate connection to nature, with the necessity to bond with natural environments developing in a similar manner. Barbiero [ 21 ] highlighted the positive impact of awe and connectedness to nature on mental and emotional health. Mayer and Frantz [ 22 ] characterized connectedness to nature as a measure of the emotional relationship between humans and the natural environment. Research indicates that engagement in outdoor sports activities and a sense of connectedness to nature have beneficial effects on human health [ 23 , 24 ]. The relationship with nature is fundamental to the discussions and practices that influence participants' perceptions, attitudes, and experiences in outdoor sports [ 25 ]. Consequently, the connection to nature serves as both a psychological orientation and a significant determinant of individuals' quality of life and well-being. Outdoor sports activities serve as a notable avenue for individuals to engage with nature. Activities conducted in natural environments enhance participants' connection to nature and contribute to physical health, as well as mental and emotional well-being [ 26 ]. Philosophical perspectives on connectedness to nature emphasize the importance of engaging with the beauty of the natural world [ 27 ]. A profound connection to nature and natural environments promotes environmentally responsible lifestyle choices and increases satisfaction from leisure activities [ 25 ]. Zelenski and Nisbet [ 28 ] proposed that a connection to nature may facilitate leisure satisfaction and promote environmental sustainability. Ojala [ 29 ] discovered that individuals with a strong connection to nature demonstrated increased leisure satisfaction. Korpela and Kinnunen [ 30 ] posited that connectedness to nature is generally correlated with relaxation and satisfaction, as opposed to new challenges. Furthermore, leisure satisfaction is associated with feelings of relaxation and happiness rather than difficulties. Beşikçi et al. [ 31 ] found that engagement in outdoor sports enhances leisure satisfaction, leading to improved psychological and physiological outcomes. Increased participation in leisure activities is associated with higher levels of leisure satisfaction [ 32 ]. The subsequent hypothesis is proposed based on this information: H1 Connectedness to nature has a positive effect on leisure satisfaction. Connectedness to nature denotes the subjective relationship an individual establishes with the natural environment, frequently characterized by a sense of emotional closeness and integration with nature [ 33 ]. Studies indicate that a connection to nature enhances individuals' psychological well-being and health [ 34 , 35 , 36 ]. Zelenski and Nisbet [ 28 ] observed that a connection to nature correlates with specific levels of happiness and flow. Csikszentmihalyi [ 37 ] characterized flow experience as a condition in which an individual is entirely engaged in an activity, making other concerns trivial. This experience, characterized by substantial intrinsic satisfaction, can be maintained independently of external rewards and may involve certain sacrifices. Flow experience frequently occurs in physical activities, particularly in high-risk outdoor sports, which create optimal conditions for its emergence [ 38 ]. Nature includes components that facilitate flow experiences, and individuals experiencing flow typically exhibit respectful behavior towards the environment, reflecting environmental responsibility [ 39 ]. Outdoor sports, characterized by high engagement, provide significant and beneficial experiences. Analyzing the features of these experiences can deepen understanding of their influence on intrinsic motivation [ 40 ]. Settings designated for outdoor sports, frequently selected for their capacity to promote mental relaxation, are recognized for their ability to facilitate flow experiences [ 38 ]. Chang [ 41 ] discovered that participants in outdoor sports who engaged more in leisure activities experienced a heightened intensity of flow. In a flow state, individuals may disengage from the external environment, fostering a connection with nature that can lead to experiences resembling inner peace and tranquility [ 42 ]. Positive emotional states, including awe and vitality in nature, are significantly correlated with flow experiences, which are associated with happiness and life satisfaction, as well as a sense of connectedness to nature [ 43 ]. During flow experiences in nature, individuals exhibit deep concentration on activities and a strong engagement with their surroundings [ 44 ]. The subsequent hypothesis is proposed based on this information: H2 Connectedness to nature has a positive effect on flow experience. Leisure satisfaction correlates positively with favorable perceptions of participation in outdoor sports and an increasing interest in health [ 45 ]. These activities are widely endorsed as essential for modern individuals seeking to enhance their health. Multiple studies demonstrate that engaging in leisure time, especially through physical activities, has a beneficial effect on overall health [ 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 ]. Rosa et al. [ 50 ] observed that childhood participation in outdoor sports correlates with increased engagement in these activities during adulthood, thereby enhancing leisure satisfaction levels. Çetinkaya et al. [ 51 ] emphasized the beneficial impact of outdoor sports on leisure satisfaction, advocating for active engagement to enhance the advantages derived from leisure activities. Participation in outdoor sports enhances leisure satisfaction and influences the quality of experiences associated with these activities. This indicates that individuals participate in outdoor sports for the enjoyment, well-being, and sense of personal competence these activities offer, thereby enhancing intrinsic motivation [ 52 ]. Outdoor sports are recognized for their ability to foster flow experiences, which contribute to a profound sense of engagement [ 53 ]. Research indicates that flow facilitates effortless and enjoyable concentration, accompanied by a sense of full control, which acts as a significant motivational factor for continued engagement in outdoor sports [ 54 , 55 , 56 ]. Leisure satisfaction is attained through leisure experiences, whereas flow is characterized by individuals' complete concentration on an activity, effectively filtering out extraneous stimuli [ 57 ]. Csikszentmihalyi and Hunter [ 58 ] demonstrated that engagement in leisure activities predicted flow experiences and had a positive impact on them. The flow experience significantly increases satisfaction and happiness associated with leisure activities, serving as a crucial motivator for participation [ 59 ]. Leisure satisfaction facilitates flow by promoting self-expression and fulfillment, thereby enhancing motivation and continuity in these activities [ 60 ]. Consequently, the subsequent hypothesis is put forward: H3 Flow experience has a positive effect on leisure satisfaction. Current study Outdoor sports activities positively impact human health by fostering a connection with nature, which is fundamental to the discourses and practices that shape participants' perceptions, attitudes, and experiences regarding physical activity. Outdoor sports can enhance environmental awareness and promote sustainable lifestyle habits among individuals. Outdoor sports facilitate flow experiences, enabling individuals to become fully engaged in an activity and lose track of time. This process enhances intrinsic motivation and fosters a deeper connection to nature by challenging physical and mental limits. Participation in outdoor sports allows individuals to optimize their leisure time, contributing to personal satisfaction and a sense of inner peace. These activities promote physical and mental well-being, consequently improving overall life satisfaction. Numerous studies investigating the connection between nature connectedness and leisure satisfaction [ 25 , 28 , 29 ] yield important insights into these variables. Cosgriff [ 25 ] suggested that a robust connection to nature and natural environments fosters environmentally conscious lifestyle choices and enhances satisfaction from leisure activities. Ojala [ 29 ] proposed that positive emotional connections with nature and engagement in leisure activities within natural settings are linked to environmental sensitivity. It is predicted that leisure satisfaction, bolstered by positive emotional experiences in nature, may strengthen one's connection to the natural environment. Zelenski and Nisbet [ 28 ] suggested that individuals' connections with nature may enhance leisure satisfaction and promote environmental sustainability. The literature also encompasses studies examining the connections between nature connectedness and flow experience [ 43 , 44 ], along with leisure satisfaction and flow experience [ 59 , 60 ]. Howell et al. [ 43 ] posited that flow experience correlates with happiness and life satisfaction, is associated with positive emotional responses to nature, and fosters a sense of connectedness to the natural environment. Zhang et al. [ 44 ] discovered that individuals in a state of flow during nature-based activities exhibited intense focus on the activity and fostered significant interactions with their environment. Cheng et al. [ 59 ] indicated that flow experience in leisure activities is a significant factor in enhancing satisfaction and happiness, acting as a primary motivator for participation. Tao et al. [ 60 ] demonstrated that leisure satisfaction enhances flow experiences, allowing individuals to express themselves and achieve their potential, which in turn reinforces motivation and persistence in these activities. This research investigates the mediating effect of recreational flow experience on the relationship between connectedness to nature and leisure satisfaction in outdoor sports participants. The hypothesis proposed is based on the studies presented above. H4 Flow experience mediates the relationship between connectedness to nature and leisure satisfaction. Method Study Design This research utilizes Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) for the development and analysis of the proposed model. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is a statistical technique employed to analyze causal relationships between observable and latent variables [61]. SEM-based studies are fundamentally characterized by their dependence on a solid theoretical framework [62, 63]. This study constructed a leisure satisfaction model based on research hypotheses to investigate the effect of connectedness to nature on leisure satisfaction and to determine the mediating role of recreational flow experience in this relationship. Research Sample This study's population includes individuals aged 18 and above engaged in outdoor sports for recreation. The sample consists of 416 participants from Türkiye who participate in outdoor sports and voluntarily consented to take part in the study. Twenty datasets were excluded for containing outliers, leading to the inclusion of 396 survey forms in the analysis. In structural equation modeling, a minimum of 10 participants per item is deemed adequate [64]. Table 1 presents the demographic characteristics of the participants. Table 1. General information about participants Variables Groups f % Gender Female 140 35.4 Male 256 64.6 Marital Status Single 241 60.9 Married 155 39.1 Education Level İlköğretim 10 2.5 High School 52 13.1 Associate Deggree 59 14.9 Undergraduate Degree 210 53.0 Graduate Degree 65 16.4 Employment Status Employed 241 60.9 Unemployed 155 39.1 Annual Participation Frequency 1-4 175 44.2 5-8 58 14.6 9-12 41 10.4 13 and more 122 30.8 Sport Discipline Cycling 85 21.5 Mountaineering 92 23.2 Hiking 98 24.7 Camping 47 11.9 Skiing 21 5.3 Water Sports 37 9.3 Paragliding 16 4.0 Total 396 100 An examination of Table 1 reveals that 64.6% of the participants are male, 60.9% are single, 53.0% hold a bachelor’s degree, 60.9% are employed, 44.2% participate in activities 1–4 days per week, and 24.7% engage in hiking. Table 2. Arithmetic mean and standard deviation of participants’ age variable Mean Minimum Maximum sd N Age 37.20 18 70 14.15 396 Table 2 shows that the mean age (x̄) of participants is 37.20, with a minimum age of 18 and a maximum age of 70. Data Collection Tools This study utilized a personal information form capturing participants’ demographic details, along with three distinct measurement tools. Detailed information about these tools is provided below. Connectedness to Nature Scale The original scale was created by Bektaş et al. [65]. The scale comprises two subscales and a total of eight items. The subscales include “Integration with Nature” (items 1 and 2) and “Part of Nature” (items 3 through 8). Participants rated their agreement with each statement on a scale from “(1) Strongly Disagree” to “(5) Strongly Agree.” Increased scores indicate enhanced levels of connectedness to nature. Recreational Flow Experience Scale The Recreational Flow Experience Scale, created by Ayhan et al. [66], consists of nine items and is unidimensional in nature. Examples of items include: “The leisure activity I engage in enhances my self-confidence,” “I devote my full attention to the leisure activity I engage in,” and “I have an enjoyable experience during the leisure activity I engage in.” The seven-point Likert scale extends from “(1) Strongly Disagree” to “(7) Strongly Agree.” Increased scores reflect elevated levels of flow experience. Leisure Satisfaction Scale This unidimensional scale, adapted into Turkish by Akyıldız Munusturlar and Argan [67], comprises five items. Sample items consist of “I am satisfied with my chosen leisure activity,” “I genuinely enjoy my selected leisure activity,” and “I take pleasure in engaging in this activity.” The five-point Likert scale extends from “(1) Strongly Disagree” to “(5) Strongly Agree.” Increased scores indicate enhanced leisure satisfaction levels. Data Collection Process Initially, permissions for utilizing the intended measurement instruments were solicited through email from the corresponding authors. Following the acquisition of permissions for the scales, ethical approval for the study was granted by the Ethics Committee of Artvin Coruh University Scientific Research and Publication Ethics Committee (Date: 15.05.2025- Number: 178516). After obtaining scale permissions and ethical approval, data were collected online via ©Google Forms, with participants receiving an online informed consent form and participating voluntarily. Data collection involved reaching individuals engaged in outdoor sports activities across the year via outdoor sports clubs in Türkiye. Data Analysis The collected data were analyzed using SPSS-26 and AMOS-24 statistical software. Prior to analysis, the skewness and kurtosis values of the data were examined to assess whether the assumption of normal distribution was met. For normality testing in social sciences and studies using Likert-type scales, skewness and kurtosis values are considered [68]. Additionally, Cronbach’s Alpha coefficients were calculated to evaluate the internal consistency reliability of the measurement instruments, while Composite Reliability (CR) and Average Variance Extracted (AVE) coefficients were computed to assess construct validity. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to test the causal relationships between observed and latent variables in the proposed research model. Various fit indices were examined to evaluate the model’s fit with the data, and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted for this purpose. Findings This section presents general information about the participants and the findings obtained from the analyses. Findings Related to Measurement Instruments The item factor loadings, skewness and kurtosis values, and overall scale Cronbach’s Alpha values for the measurement instruments used in the study are presented in Table 3. The ninth item of the Recreational Flow Experience (RFE) scale was excluded from the study due to a factor loading below 0.50. The factor loadings of the remaining scale items were above 0.50 [69], skewness and kurtosis values were within the range of -1.5 to +1.5 [70], and the Cronbach’s Alpha values for all scales were above 0.70, indicating that the scales are reliable [71]. Table 3. Item factor loadings, skewness, kurtosis, and the Cronbach’s alpha values of measurement tools Measurement Instruments and Items Factor Loading Skewness Kurtosis Total Scale Cronbach’s Alpha Leisure Satisfaction 1. I am satisfied with participating in the outdoor sports activities I have chosen. .797 -1.20 1.36 0.885 2. I genuinely enjoy the outdoor sports activity I have chosen. .957 3. I take pleasure in participating in the outdoor sports activity I have chosen. .934 4. I get what I expect from the outdoor sports activity I have chosen. .668 5. I think the outdoor sports activity I have chosen is even more enjoyable than I expected. .568 Connectedness to Nature 1. I often feel at one with the natural world around me. .715 -0.62 0.34 0.895 2. I think of the natural world as a community to which I belong. .612 3. When I think of my life, I imagine myself as part of a larger cyclical process of living. .715 4. I feel that the world belongs to me as much as I belong to it. .749 5. I have a deep understanding of how my actions affect the natural world. .735 6. I often feel part of the web of life. .806 7. I believe that all inhabitants of the earth, human and non-human, share a common “life force.” .665 8. Like a tree is part of a forest, I feel embedded in the broader natural world. .766 Recreational Flow Experience 1. The outdoor sports activity I participate in boosts my self-confidence. .693 -1.17 1.44 0.90 2. I give my full attention to the outdoor sports activity I participate in. .693 3. I experience an enjoyable experience during the outdoor sports activity I participate in. .825 4. I feel that I have a positive experience during the outdoor sports activity I participate in. .773 5. I feel extremely motivated during the outdoor sports activity I participate in. .839 6. The outdoor sports activity I participate in makes me happy. .870 7. I lose track of time during the outdoor sports activity I participate in. .762 8. The outdoor sports activity I participate in is enjoyable. .704 The Composite Reliability (CR) values ranged between 0.895 and 0.922 and were lower than the MaxR(H) values, while the Average Variance Extracted (AVE) values ranged between 0.522 and 0.639 (Table 4). For sufficient convergent validity, the AVE value must be greater than 0.50, and CR must be higher than AVE. Additionally, the correlation between constructs must be less than 0.90 [72]. All data indicate that the measurement instruments are valid and reliable. Table 4. Validity information for measurement tools CR AVE MSV MaxR(H) LS CN RFE LS 0.895 0.639 0.550 0.954 0.799 CN 0.897 0.522 0.409 0.902 0.573*** 0.723 RFE 0.922 0.597 0.550 0.930 0.741*** 0.640*** 0.773 Structural Equation Modeling In SEM-based analyses, the measurement model must be tested before evaluating structural models [73]. The measurement model was tested using the Maximum Likelihood estimation method to generate a covariance matrix. Goodness-of-fit indices, including Chi-square (X²), its associated p-value, X²/df, CFI, SRMR, and RMSEA, were considered [72, 74, 75]. Reporting these values is deemed sufficient when the sample size exceeds 250 [76]. Before testing the research model, the measurement model, comprising the variables Connectedness to Nature, Recreational Flow Experience, and Leisure Satisfaction, was evaluated. The analysis revealed that regression coefficients were significant (p < .001). Due to suboptimal goodness-of-fit values in the initial analysis, error covariances were established between “CN6-CN7,” “RFE1-RFE2,” “RFE7-RFE8,” and “LS4-LS5,” and the analysis was repeated. The second analysis yielded satisfactory goodness-of-fit values (Chi-square (X²) = 561.53; X²/df = 3.08; RMSEA = .07; SRMR = .05; CFI = .93). Subsequently, path analysis was conducted using the Maximum Likelihood (ML) estimation method. The structural model, consisting of Connectedness to Nature, Recreational Flow Experience, and Leisure Satisfaction, was tested (Figure 1). As the goodness-of-fit values from the initial analysis were inadequate, error covariances were established between “RFE1-RFE2,” “RFE7-RFE8,” and “LS4-LS5,” and the analysis was repeated (Figure 6.1). This resulted in satisfactory fit indices (Chi-square (X²) = 581.57; X²/df = 3.17; RMSEA = .07; SRMR = .05; CFI = .93). Following the validation of the measurement model, the research hypotheses were tested using the SEM. The path diagram indicated that Connectedness to Nature significantly and positively influenced Leisure Satisfaction (β = 0.17, p < 0.001), Connectedness to Nature significantly and positively influenced Recreational Flow Experience (β = 0.63, p < 0.001), and Recreational Flow Experience significantly and positively influenced Leisure Satisfaction (β = 0.63, p < 0.001) (Table 5). Consequently, Hypothesis 1, 2, and 3 were supported. Table 5. Standardized effects Note: *** p<0.001 Examination of the R² values (Table 6) revealed that Connectedness to Nature explains 40% of the variance in Recreational Flow Experience and 57% of the variance in Leisure Satisfaction. Table 6. Squared multiple correlations for the structural model R 2 RFE .40 LS .57 To test the mediation effects, a mediation effect analysis was conducted using the Bootstrap 5000 resampling technique with a 95% confidence interval (CI). A confidence interval that does not include zero (0) indicates the presence of an indirect effect [77, 78]. The analysis results are presented in Table 7. Table 7. Mediation effect analysis results Bootstrap Path Effect Bias-Corrected 95%CI Percentile 95% CI Hypothesis Min. Max. Min. Max. CN-RFE-LS Total Effect 0.577 0.494 0.646 0.491 0.644 Supported Indirect Effect 0.402 0.325 0.504 0.311 0.488 Direct Effect 0.169 0.058 0.269 0.065 0.277 The analysis revealed that the indirect effect of Connectedness to Nature on Leisure Satisfaction through Recreational Flow Experience did not include zero (effect = 0.402) and fell within the lower and upper bounds (Bias-Corrected 95% CI = 0.325–0.504; Percentile 95% CI = 0.311–0.488). These results indicate that Recreational Flow Experience mediates the relationship between Connectedness to Nature and Leisure Satisfaction. Thus, Hypothesis 4 was supported. Discussion This research employed Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to investigate the relationships among connectedness to nature, leisure satisfaction, and recreational flow experience in individuals engaged in outdoor sports, emphasizing the mediating role of flow experience in these dynamics. The results demonstrate that connectedness to nature directly influences leisure satisfaction and indirectly affects it via flow experience. This offers valuable understanding of the intricate effects of outdoor sports on individuals' psychological well-being. The hypothesis regarding the positive impact of connectedness to nature on leisure satisfaction was validated (H1). This finding is consistent with numerous studies in the literature. Cosgriff [ 25 ] observed that a connection to nature and natural areas fosters environmentally conscious lifestyle choices and increases satisfaction from leisure activities. Zelenski and Nisbet [ 28 ] proposed that a connection with nature may enhance leisure satisfaction and contribute to environmental sustainability. Rosa et al. [ 50 ] demonstrated that a strengthened connectedness to nature is a significant factor in leisure satisfaction. Ojala [ 29 ] highlighted the importance of this connectedness in fostering an ecological worldview, noting that this relationship can develop throughout one's life. Additionally, leisure time spent in nature, coupled with positive emotions, can facilitate this evolution. Korpela and Kinnunen [ 30 ] found that a strong connection to nature facilitated quicker recovery from work-related stress, as this connection mitigated stress effects and promoted rest and renewal. Engagement with nature facilitates recovery, allowing individuals to utilize their leisure time more purposefully and achieve enhanced satisfaction. The integration with nature enables individuals to participate in outdoor sports, thereby enhancing the significance and satisfaction of their leisure time. The positive impact of nature connectedness on recreational flow experience was validated (H2). This finding indicates that a connection to nature enhances the probability of individuals achieving full concentration, losing awareness of time, and experiencing intrinsic satisfaction during activities. Zelenski and Nisbet [ 28 ] observed a correlation between connectedness to nature and specific levels of happiness and flow, whereas Wöran and Arnberger [ 38 ] emphasized that outdoor sports create optimal conditions for flow experiences. Akçakese et al. [ 39 ] proposed that increased interaction with nature may result in more profound flow experiences, potentially improving positive environmental behaviors, environmental sensitivity, and communication with nature. Xie et al. [ 42 ] suggested that exposure to nature enhances positive emotional and cognitive experiences, including flow, which in turn affects attitudes, sense of belonging, perceived values, and norms, ultimately influencing behavior. Tang et al. [ 79 ] examined the relationship between flow experience and connectedness to nature, highlighting that emotional and physical experiences derived from time spent in nature enhance environmental attitudes and promote responsible nature conservation. Williams and Harvey [ 80 ] proposed that time spent in nature may enhance connectedness to nature via flow experiences. They observed that perceiving nature as an integrated living space, rather than as an external entity, could improve environmental sensitivity and deepen spiritual connections. Engagement with natural environments enhances individuals' connection to nature, promoting concentration on activities and facilitating flow experiences. The positive impact of recreational flow experience on leisure satisfaction was validated (H3). Individuals in a state of flow report enhanced satisfaction and enjoyment in leisure activities. This is consistent with the findings of Csikszentmihalyi and Hunter [ 58 ], who indicated that engagement in leisure activities forecasts flow experiences and positively influences them. Flow experience serves as a significant contributor to the satisfaction and happiness associated with leisure activities. Heo et al. [ 81 ] observed that leisure satisfaction has a significant and positive effect on flow experiences via sustained participation. Cheng et al. [ 59 ] identified a significant positive correlation between engagement in leisure activities and the experience of flow. Flow experience is characterized as a conscious state that reflects the satisfaction individuals derive from participating in leisure activities that are engaging. Wu and Liang [ 82 ] demonstrated that flow experiences during activity participation enhance leisure satisfaction. In this context, flow experience enhances the significance of leisure activities and improves overall leisure satisfaction. Pace [ 83 ] noted that individuals deeply involved in an activity consciously recognize this condition as a flow experience. The study identifies the mediating role of recreational flow experience in the relationship between connectedness to nature and leisure satisfaction. The results of the mediation analysis demonstrate that the relationship between connectedness to nature and leisure satisfaction is predominantly mediated by flow experience (H4). This indicates that, besides directly affecting leisure satisfaction, a connection to nature also indirectly improves leisure satisfaction by facilitating flow experiences. Howell et al. [ 43 ] posited that flow experience correlates with happiness and life satisfaction, enhancing connectedness to nature. In contrast, Zhang et al. [ 44 ] discovered that individuals in a flow state concentrate intensely on nature-based activities, fostering meaningful interactions with their environment. In this context, outdoor sports enhance individuals' connection to nature and promote flow experiences, thereby increasing leisure satisfaction. This research offers important theoretical and practical insights into outdoor sports. This framework provides a comprehensive analysis of the relationships among connectedness to nature, flow experience, and leisure satisfaction, thereby deepening our comprehension of their interconnections. The mediating role of flow experience offers a nuanced understanding of the psychological impacts of outdoor sports on individuals. The study provides significant insights for outdoor sports organizations and recreational event planners. Activities that foster a connection to nature and facilitate flow experiences can improve leisure satisfaction among individuals. Outdoor sports events can emphasize aspects that enhance participants' engagement with nature and promote flow experiences, thereby rendering events more immersive, enjoyable, and satisfying. Conclusion This study examined the relationships between connectedness to nature, recreational flow experience, and leisure satisfaction among outdoor sports participants, highlighting the significant mediating role of flow experience in these relationships. As all paths in the proposed model were significant, the model is deemed acceptable. The validated Leisure Satisfaction Model provides a valuable contribution to understanding the positive effects of outdoor sports on individuals’ psychological well-being. The findings offer significant insights into the positive impact of outdoor sports on psychological well-being. Future research can further enrich the knowledge base in this field and enhance our understanding of the potential of outdoor sports to improve individuals’ quality of life. By thoroughly investigating the relationships between connectedness to nature, recreational flow experience, and leisure satisfaction among outdoor sports participants, this study underscores the mediating role of flow experience. The findings contribute significantly to understanding the positive effects of outdoor sports on individuals’ psychological well-being, mental relaxation, and overall life satisfaction. Furthermore, participation in outdoor sports was found to positively contribute to self-actualization, stress coping, and integration with nature, while aiding in managing negative mental states such as anxiety and depression. In this context, future research could explore differences among participants in various types of outdoor sports. The role of demographic variables (e.g., age, gender, education level) in the relationships between connectedness to nature, flow experience, and leisure satisfaction could be investigated. Studies could be expanded to include individuals in rural and urban areas. The long-term effects of outdoor sports on psychological well-being could be examined through longitudinal studies. Comparative studies could be conducted with outdoor sports participants from different cultural and geographical regions. Additionally, the relationship between connectedness to nature, flow experience, and leisure satisfaction could be explored alongside individuals’ risk perceptions during flow experiences. Finally, specific outdoor sports (e.g., canoeing, rafting, trekking, paragliding) could be analyzed individually to examine their relationships with connectedness to nature, flow experience, and leisure satisfaction. Limitations This study has certain limitations. First, the research is limited to outdoor sports participants in Türkiye. Studies involving participants from diverse cultural and geographical regions could enhance the generalizability of the findings. Second, the study employs a cross-sectional design. Longitudinal studies could provide a better understanding of the temporal changes and causal relationships among the variables. Declarations Authors’ contributions The primary framework of the study was established by Erdoğan Ekinci, who also oversaw the data collection process and authored the introduction, discussion, and conclusion sections. The methodology section was authored by Fatih Mehmet Parlar, who also participated in the data collection process and the writing of the introduction. Additionally, he contributed to the development of the main framework of the research. The conclusion and recommendations were developed with the assistance of Özge Ercan, who also participated in the data collection phase. The findings section was authored by Nedim Tekin, who also conducted the statistical analyses of the collected data. The data entry and organization were the responsibilities of Begüm Yaşar Sönmez, who also provided assistance during specific stages of the literature review. The study's framework was furthered by Ümit Doğan ÜSTÜN, who also reviewed the literature and drafted the manuscript. Funding The research had no institutional or organizational funding. Availability of data and materials The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. Ethics approval and consent to participate All procedures performed in this study involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the Artvin Coruh University, and with the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. We confirm that all methods were carried out in accordance with the relevant rules and regulations. We confirm that an online informed consent was obtained from all participants in this study. The study was approved by the Artvin Coruh University Scientific Research and Publication Ethics Committee (Date: 15.05.2025- Number: 178516). Consent for publication Not Applicable. Competing interests The authors declare no competing interests. Corresponding Author: Umit Dogan Ustun, [email protected] Author details 1 Artvin Coruh University, Arhavi Vocational School, Artvin/Türkiye. 2 Karabük University, Hasan Doğan Sports Sciences Faculty, Karabük/Türkiye. 3 Istanbul University, Cerrahpaşa Sports Sciences Faculty, İstanbul/Türkiye. 4 Karabük University, Hasan Doğan Sports Sciences Faculty, Karabük/Türkiye. 5 Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ankara/Türkiye. 6 Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Sports Sciences Faculty, Rize/Türkiye. References Collins L, Brymer E. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-6917351","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":489899666,"identity":"8a66b8b6-09af-43c1-9edb-3cb0389d7551","order_by":0,"name":"Erdoğan Ekinci","email":"data:image/png;base64,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","orcid":"","institution":"Artvin Coruh University","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Erdoğan","middleName":"","lastName":"Ekinci","suffix":""},{"id":489899667,"identity":"7eb34316-dad5-4973-9433-d19dc7474d86","order_by":1,"name":"Fatih Mehmet Parlar","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Karabük University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Fatih","middleName":"Mehmet","lastName":"Parlar","suffix":""},{"id":489899668,"identity":"88936a7b-f339-463e-b510-f8cbfe607d3b","order_by":2,"name":"Özge Ercan","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Özge","middleName":"","lastName":"Ercan","suffix":""},{"id":489899669,"identity":"36b76f85-0404-496f-86a0-fdbb52d772d0","order_by":3,"name":"Nedim Tekin","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Karabük University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Nedim","middleName":"","lastName":"Tekin","suffix":""},{"id":489899670,"identity":"56d17678-f758-4ce0-9608-132f43bbf592","order_by":4,"name":"Begüm Yaşar Sönmez","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Ministry of Youth and Sports","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Begüm","middleName":"Yaşar","lastName":"Sönmez","suffix":""},{"id":489899671,"identity":"7b18615d-e63e-4d46-a332-246314947866","order_by":5,"name":"Ümit Doğan Üstün","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Ümit","middleName":"Doğan","lastName":"Üstün","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-06-17 20:53:12","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6917351/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6917351/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":87694656,"identity":"f32f3060-baae-4582-b314-f9f093ab6d62","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-07-28 05:47:21","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":61050,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eStandardized Path Coefficients for the Proposed Leisure Satisfaction Model\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"Fig1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6917351/v1/dcb95a2e94de644188a4ef1c.png"},{"id":89894229,"identity":"e3d000f3-2b28-4d32-afe5-b374bc4126b5","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-26 08:09:04","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1113118,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6917351/v1/0af21fc5-8dff-47ea-b6c4-5e7f182519dc.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"The Mediating Role of Recreational Flow Experience in the Relationship Between Connectedness to Nature and Leisure Satisfaction Among Outdoor Sports Participants","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eOutdoor sports refer to activities performed in natural settings, regulated by rules and limitations set by participants [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e]. Outdoor sports include various activities that involve direct engagement with the natural environment, categorized under this term [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e]. Brymer et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e] characterize outdoor sports as activities that enhance the significance and value of participants' lives, promoting diverse connections through engagement with nature and demonstrating human capabilities. Huddart and Stott [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e] assert that outdoor sports serve as activities through which participants experience peace, relaxation, and enjoyment in natural settings. Outdoor sports, performed in open environments, play a crucial role in enhancing human-nature interactions [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e]. Outdoor sports activities inherently involve a fundamental structure in which participants embody the qualities of all components present in nature [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e]. Recent studies indicate that a substantial proportion of individuals engage in diverse outdoor sports activities [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e]. This increase highlights the necessity for a more thorough analysis of individuals' connections with nature.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eConnectedness to nature is a fundamental concept for comprehending the human-nature relationship [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e]. It is characterized as the psychological bond and enduring orientation that an individual develops with the natural environment. Favorable views of the natural environment may promote participation in nature-based leisure activities. These activities enhance environmental awareness and positively influence individuals' physical and mental health [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLeisure satisfaction refers to a favorable cognitive or emotional condition that arises from meeting personal needs via engagement in leisure activities [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e]. Leisure satisfaction significantly influences the propensity for repeated engagement in sports activities and the verbal expression of this inclination to others [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e]. Flow experience is defined as a subjective state experienced by individuals when they are completely engaged in an activity, to the extent that they lose awareness of fatigue and external distractions [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e]. Shang et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e] characterize flow experience as a state prominently observed in physical activities, which may positively affect social relationships.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Theoretical Background and Hypothesis Development","content":"\u003cp\u003eConnection with nature is essential in shaping individuals' perceptions of their relationship with the world [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e]. Historically, humans have sought to connect with nature, which has significantly contributed to the attribution of meaning to life through cultural and social values. This arises from individuals experiencing a sense of connection to or belonging within the natural world [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e]. Connectedness to nature refers to individuals' perceptions regarding their relationship with the natural environment [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e]. The biophilia concept is grounded in a robust connection with nature, emphasizing humanity's intrinsic reliance on the natural environment [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e]. Studies show that individuals' tendencies to assess their surroundings vary between natural and artificial elements [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e], and positive experiences are associated with a sense of connection to nature [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e]. Bratman et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e] posited that humans possess a universal and innate connection to nature, with the necessity to bond with natural environments developing in a similar manner. Barbiero [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e] highlighted the positive impact of awe and connectedness to nature on mental and emotional health. Mayer and Frantz [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e] characterized connectedness to nature as a measure of the emotional relationship between humans and the natural environment. Research indicates that engagement in outdoor sports activities and a sense of connectedness to nature have beneficial effects on human health [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e]. The relationship with nature is fundamental to the discussions and practices that influence participants' perceptions, attitudes, and experiences in outdoor sports [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e]. Consequently, the connection to nature serves as both a psychological orientation and a significant determinant of individuals' quality of life and well-being.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOutdoor sports activities serve as a notable avenue for individuals to engage with nature. Activities conducted in natural environments enhance participants' connection to nature and contribute to physical health, as well as mental and emotional well-being [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e]. Philosophical perspectives on connectedness to nature emphasize the importance of engaging with the beauty of the natural world [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e]. A profound connection to nature and natural environments promotes environmentally responsible lifestyle choices and increases satisfaction from leisure activities [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e]. Zelenski and Nisbet [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e] proposed that a connection to nature may facilitate leisure satisfaction and promote environmental sustainability. Ojala [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e] discovered that individuals with a strong connection to nature demonstrated increased leisure satisfaction. Korpela and Kinnunen [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e] posited that connectedness to nature is generally correlated with relaxation and satisfaction, as opposed to new challenges. Furthermore, leisure satisfaction is associated with feelings of relaxation and happiness rather than difficulties. Beşik\u0026ccedil;i et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e] found that engagement in outdoor sports enhances leisure satisfaction, leading to improved psychological and physiological outcomes. Increased participation in leisure activities is associated with higher levels of leisure satisfaction [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e]. The subsequent hypothesis is proposed based on this information:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eH1\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eConnectedness to nature has a positive effect on leisure satisfaction.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eConnectedness to nature denotes the subjective relationship an individual establishes with the natural environment, frequently characterized by a sense of emotional closeness and integration with nature [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e]. Studies indicate that a connection to nature enhances individuals' psychological well-being and health [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e34\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e36\u003c/span\u003e]. Zelenski and Nisbet [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e] observed that a connection to nature correlates with specific levels of happiness and flow. Csikszentmihalyi [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e] characterized flow experience as a condition in which an individual is entirely engaged in an activity, making other concerns trivial. This experience, characterized by substantial intrinsic satisfaction, can be maintained independently of external rewards and may involve certain sacrifices. Flow experience frequently occurs in physical activities, particularly in high-risk outdoor sports, which create optimal conditions for its emergence [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e]. Nature includes components that facilitate flow experiences, and individuals experiencing flow typically exhibit respectful behavior towards the environment, reflecting environmental responsibility [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e39\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOutdoor sports, characterized by high engagement, provide significant and beneficial experiences. Analyzing the features of these experiences can deepen understanding of their influence on intrinsic motivation [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR40\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e40\u003c/span\u003e]. Settings designated for outdoor sports, frequently selected for their capacity to promote mental relaxation, are recognized for their ability to facilitate flow experiences [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e]. Chang [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR41\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e41\u003c/span\u003e] discovered that participants in outdoor sports who engaged more in leisure activities experienced a heightened intensity of flow. In a flow state, individuals may disengage from the external environment, fostering a connection with nature that can lead to experiences resembling inner peace and tranquility [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR42\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e42\u003c/span\u003e]. Positive emotional states, including awe and vitality in nature, are significantly correlated with flow experiences, which are associated with happiness and life satisfaction, as well as a sense of connectedness to nature [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR43\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e43\u003c/span\u003e]. During flow experiences in nature, individuals exhibit deep concentration on activities and a strong engagement with their surroundings [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e44\u003c/span\u003e]. The subsequent hypothesis is proposed based on this information:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eH2\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eConnectedness to nature has a positive effect on flow experience.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLeisure satisfaction correlates positively with favorable perceptions of participation in outdoor sports and an increasing interest in health [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR45\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e45\u003c/span\u003e]. These activities are widely endorsed as essential for modern individuals seeking to enhance their health. Multiple studies demonstrate that engaging in leisure time, especially through physical activities, has a beneficial effect on overall health [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR46\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e46\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR47\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e47\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e48\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR49\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e49\u003c/span\u003e]. Rosa et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR50\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e50\u003c/span\u003e] observed that childhood participation in outdoor sports correlates with increased engagement in these activities during adulthood, thereby enhancing leisure satisfaction levels. \u0026Ccedil;etinkaya et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR51\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e51\u003c/span\u003e] emphasized the beneficial impact of outdoor sports on leisure satisfaction, advocating for active engagement to enhance the advantages derived from leisure activities. Participation in outdoor sports enhances leisure satisfaction and influences the quality of experiences associated with these activities. This indicates that individuals participate in outdoor sports for the enjoyment, well-being, and sense of personal competence these activities offer, thereby enhancing intrinsic motivation [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR52\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e52\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOutdoor sports are recognized for their ability to foster flow experiences, which contribute to a profound sense of engagement [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR53\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e53\u003c/span\u003e]. Research indicates that flow facilitates effortless and enjoyable concentration, accompanied by a sense of full control, which acts as a significant motivational factor for continued engagement in outdoor sports [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR54\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e54\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR55\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e55\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR56\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e56\u003c/span\u003e]. Leisure satisfaction is attained through leisure experiences, whereas flow is characterized by individuals' complete concentration on an activity, effectively filtering out extraneous stimuli [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR57\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e57\u003c/span\u003e]. Csikszentmihalyi and Hunter [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR58\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e58\u003c/span\u003e] demonstrated that engagement in leisure activities predicted flow experiences and had a positive impact on them. The flow experience significantly increases satisfaction and happiness associated with leisure activities, serving as a crucial motivator for participation [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR59\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e59\u003c/span\u003e]. Leisure satisfaction facilitates flow by promoting self-expression and fulfillment, thereby enhancing motivation and continuity in these activities [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR60\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e60\u003c/span\u003e]. Consequently, the subsequent hypothesis is put forward:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eH3\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFlow experience has a positive effect on leisure satisfaction.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCurrent study\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eOutdoor sports activities positively impact human health by fostering a connection with nature, which is fundamental to the discourses and practices that shape participants' perceptions, attitudes, and experiences regarding physical activity. Outdoor sports can enhance environmental awareness and promote sustainable lifestyle habits among individuals. Outdoor sports facilitate flow experiences, enabling individuals to become fully engaged in an activity and lose track of time. This process enhances intrinsic motivation and fosters a deeper connection to nature by challenging physical and mental limits.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eParticipation in outdoor sports allows individuals to optimize their leisure time, contributing to personal satisfaction and a sense of inner peace. These activities promote physical and mental well-being, consequently improving overall life satisfaction. Numerous studies investigating the connection between nature connectedness and leisure satisfaction [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e] yield important insights into these variables. Cosgriff [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e] suggested that a robust connection to nature and natural environments fosters environmentally conscious lifestyle choices and enhances satisfaction from leisure activities. Ojala [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e] proposed that positive emotional connections with nature and engagement in leisure activities within natural settings are linked to environmental sensitivity. It is predicted that leisure satisfaction, bolstered by positive emotional experiences in nature, may strengthen one's connection to the natural environment. Zelenski and Nisbet [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e] suggested that individuals' connections with nature may enhance leisure satisfaction and promote environmental sustainability. The literature also encompasses studies examining the connections between nature connectedness and flow experience [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR43\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e43\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e44\u003c/span\u003e], along with leisure satisfaction and flow experience [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR59\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e59\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR60\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e60\u003c/span\u003e]. Howell et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR43\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e43\u003c/span\u003e] posited that flow experience correlates with happiness and life satisfaction, is associated with positive emotional responses to nature, and fosters a sense of connectedness to the natural environment. Zhang et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e44\u003c/span\u003e] discovered that individuals in a state of flow during nature-based activities exhibited intense focus on the activity and fostered significant interactions with their environment. Cheng et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR59\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e59\u003c/span\u003e] indicated that flow experience in leisure activities is a significant factor in enhancing satisfaction and happiness, acting as a primary motivator for participation. Tao et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR60\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e60\u003c/span\u003e] demonstrated that leisure satisfaction enhances flow experiences, allowing individuals to express themselves and achieve their potential, which in turn reinforces motivation and persistence in these activities. This research investigates the mediating effect of recreational flow experience on the relationship between connectedness to nature and leisure satisfaction in outdoor sports participants. The hypothesis proposed is based on the studies presented above.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eH4\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFlow experience mediates the relationship between connectedness to nature and leisure satisfaction.\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Method","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStudy Design\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis research utilizes Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) for the development and analysis of the proposed model. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is a statistical technique employed to analyze causal relationships between observable and latent variables [61]. SEM-based studies are fundamentally characterized by their dependence on a solid theoretical framework [62, 63]. This study constructed a leisure satisfaction model based on research hypotheses to investigate the effect of connectedness to nature on leisure satisfaction and to determine the mediating role of recreational flow experience in this relationship.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResearch Sample\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study\u0026apos;s population includes individuals aged 18 and above engaged in outdoor sports for recreation. The sample consists of 416 participants from T\u0026uuml;rkiye who participate in outdoor sports and voluntarily consented to take part in the study. Twenty datasets were excluded for containing outliers, leading to the inclusion of 396 survey forms in the analysis. In structural equation modeling, a minimum of 10 participants per item is deemed adequate [64]. Table 1 presents the demographic characteristics of the participants.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 1.\u003c/strong\u003e General information about participants\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"605\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" style=\"width: 203px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVariables\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 135px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGroups\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ef\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 77px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e%\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" rowspan=\"2\" style=\"width: 203px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGender\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 135px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e140\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 77px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 135px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e256\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 77px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e64.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" rowspan=\"2\" style=\"width: 203px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMarital Status\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 135px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSingle\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e241\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 77px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e60.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 135px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e155\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 77px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" rowspan=\"5\" style=\"width: 203px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEducation Level\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 135px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eİlk\u0026ouml;ğretim\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 77px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 135px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHigh School\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e52\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 77px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 135px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAssociate Deggree\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e59\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 77px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 135px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUndergraduate Degree\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e210\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 77px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e53.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 135px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eGraduate Degree\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e65\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 77px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" rowspan=\"2\" style=\"width: 203px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEmployment Status\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 135px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eEmployed\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e241\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 77px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e60.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 135px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eUnemployed\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e155\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 77px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e39.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" rowspan=\"4\" style=\"width: 203px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAnnual Participation Frequency\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 135px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1-4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e175\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 77px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e44.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 135px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5-8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e58\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 77px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 135px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9-12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e41\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 77px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 135px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13 and more\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e122\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 77px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e30.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" rowspan=\"7\" style=\"width: 203px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSport Discipline\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 135px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCycling\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e85\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 77px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21.5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 135px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMountaineering\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e92\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 77px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 135px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHiking\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e98\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 77px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e24.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 135px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCamping\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e47\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 77px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 135px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSkiing\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 77px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 135px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWater Sports\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e37\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 77px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 135px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eParagliding\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 77px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.0\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 87px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 116px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 115px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 135px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTotal\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 75px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e396\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 77px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn examination of Table 1 reveals that 64.6% of the participants are male, 60.9% are single, 53.0% hold a bachelor\u0026rsquo;s degree, 60.9% are employed, 44.2% participate in activities 1\u0026ndash;4 days per week, and 24.7% engage in hiking.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 2.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eArithmetic mean and standard deviation of participants\u0026rsquo; age variable\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"Left\"\u003e\n \u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"600\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 122px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 109px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMean\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 79px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 98px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003esd\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 98px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eN\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 122px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 109px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e37.20\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 79px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 98px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e70\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 95px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 98px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e396\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable 2 shows that the mean age (x̄) of participants is 37.20, with a minimum age of 18 and a maximum age of 70.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData Collection Tools\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study utilized a personal information form capturing participants\u0026rsquo; demographic details, along with three distinct measurement tools. Detailed information about these tools is provided below.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConnectedness to Nature\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScale\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original scale was created by Bektaş et al. [65]. The scale comprises two subscales and a total of eight items. The subscales include \u0026ldquo;Integration with Nature\u0026rdquo; (items 1 and 2) and \u0026ldquo;Part of Nature\u0026rdquo; (items 3 through 8). Participants rated their agreement with each statement on a scale from \u0026ldquo;(1) Strongly Disagree\u0026rdquo; to \u0026ldquo;(5) Strongly Agree.\u0026rdquo; Increased scores indicate enhanced levels of connectedness to nature.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecreational Flow Experience\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eScale\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Recreational Flow Experience Scale, created by Ayhan et al. [66], consists of nine items and is unidimensional in nature. Examples of items include: \u0026ldquo;The leisure activity I engage in enhances my self-confidence,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;I devote my full attention to the leisure activity I engage in,\u0026rdquo; and \u0026ldquo;I have an enjoyable experience during the leisure activity I engage in.\u0026rdquo; The seven-point Likert scale extends from \u0026ldquo;(1) Strongly Disagree\u0026rdquo; to \u0026ldquo;(7) Strongly Agree.\u0026rdquo; Increased scores reflect elevated levels of flow experience.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeisure Satisfaction Scale\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"_Toc49075486\"\u003eThis unidimensional scale, adapted into Turkish\u0026nbsp;by Akyıldız Munusturlar and Argan [67], comprises five items. Sample items consist of \u0026ldquo;I am satisfied with my chosen leisure activity,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;I genuinely enjoy my selected leisure activity,\u0026rdquo; and \u0026ldquo;I take pleasure in engaging in this activity.\u0026rdquo; The five-point Likert scale extends from \u0026ldquo;(1) Strongly Disagree\u0026rdquo; to \u0026ldquo;(5) Strongly Agree.\u0026rdquo; Increased scores indicate enhanced leisure satisfaction levels.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData Collection Process\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInitially, permissions for utilizing the intended measurement instruments were solicited through email from the corresponding authors. Following the acquisition of permissions for the scales, ethical approval for the study was granted by the Ethics Committee of Artvin Coruh University Scientific Research and Publication Ethics Committee (Date: 15.05.2025- Number: 178516). After obtaining scale permissions and ethical approval, data were collected online via \u0026copy;Google Forms, with participants receiving an online informed consent form and participating voluntarily. Data collection involved reaching individuals engaged in outdoor sports activities across the year via outdoor sports clubs in T\u0026uuml;rkiye.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData Analysis\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe collected data were analyzed using SPSS-26 and AMOS-24 statistical software. Prior to analysis, the skewness and kurtosis values of the data were examined to assess whether the assumption of normal distribution was met. For normality testing in social sciences and studies using Likert-type scales, skewness and kurtosis values are considered [68]. Additionally, Cronbach\u0026rsquo;s Alpha coefficients were calculated to evaluate the internal consistency reliability of the measurement instruments, while Composite Reliability (CR) and Average Variance Extracted (AVE) coefficients were computed to assess construct validity. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to test the causal relationships between observed and latent variables in the proposed research model. Various fit indices were examined to evaluate the model\u0026rsquo;s fit with the data, and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted for this purpose.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFindings\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis section presents general information about the participants and the findings obtained from the analyses.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFindings Related to Measurement Instruments\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe item factor loadings, skewness and kurtosis values, and overall scale Cronbach\u0026rsquo;s Alpha values for the measurement instruments used in the study are presented in Table 3. The ninth item of the Recreational Flow Experience (RFE) scale was excluded from the study due to a factor loading below 0.50. The factor loadings of the remaining scale items were above 0.50 [69], skewness and kurtosis values were within the range of -1.5 to +1.5 [70], and the Cronbach\u0026rsquo;s Alpha values for all scales were above 0.70, indicating that the scales are reliable [71].\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 3.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eItem factor loadings, skewness, kurtosis, and the Cronbach\u0026rsquo;s alpha values of measurement tools\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"605\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 340px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeasurement Instruments and Items\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFactor Loading\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSkewness\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKurtosis\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTotal Scale Cronbach\u0026rsquo;s Alpha\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"5\" style=\"width: 605px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eLeisure Satisfaction\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 340px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1. I am satisfied with participating in the outdoor sports activities I have chosen.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.797\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"5\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-1.20\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"5\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.36\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"5\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.885\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 340px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2. I genuinely enjoy the outdoor sports activity I have chosen.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.957\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 340px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3. I take pleasure in participating in the outdoor sports activity I have chosen.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.934\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 340px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4. I get what I expect from the outdoor sports activity I have chosen.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.668\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 340px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5. I think the outdoor sports activity I have chosen is even more enjoyable than I expected.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.568\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"5\" style=\"width: 605px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eConnectedness to Nature\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 340px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1. I often feel at one with the natural world around me.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.715\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"8\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-0.62\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"8\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.34\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"8\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.895\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 340px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2. I think of the natural world as a community to which I belong.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.612\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 340px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3. When I think of my life, I imagine myself as part of a larger cyclical process of living.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.715\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 340px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4. I feel that the world belongs to me as much as I belong to it.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.749\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 340px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5. I have a deep understanding of how my actions affect the natural world.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.735\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 340px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6. I often feel part of the web of life.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.806\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 340px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7. I believe that all inhabitants of the earth, human and non-human, share a common \u0026ldquo;life force.\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.665\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 340px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8. Like a tree is part of a forest, I feel embedded in the broader natural world.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.766\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"5\" style=\"width: 605px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eRecreational Flow Experience\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 340px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1. The outdoor sports activity I participate in boosts my self-confidence.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.693\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"8\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-1.17\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"8\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.44\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"8\" style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.90\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 340px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2. I give my full attention to the outdoor sports activity I participate in.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.693\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 340px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3. I experience an enjoyable experience during the outdoor sports activity I participate in.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.825\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 340px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4. I feel that I have a positive experience during the outdoor sports activity I participate in.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.773\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 340px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5. I feel extremely motivated during the outdoor sports activity I participate in.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.839\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 340px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6. The outdoor sports activity I participate in makes me happy.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.870\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 340px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7. I lose track of time during the outdoor sports activity I participate in.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.762\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 340px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8. The outdoor sports activity I participate in is enjoyable.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 66px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.704\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Composite Reliability (CR) values ranged between 0.895 and 0.922 and were lower than the MaxR(H) values, while the Average Variance Extracted (AVE) values ranged between 0.522 and 0.639 (Table 4). For sufficient convergent validity, the AVE value must be greater than 0.50, and CR must be higher than AVE. Additionally, the correlation between constructs must be less than 0.90 [72]. All data indicate that the measurement instruments are valid and reliable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 4.\u003c/strong\u003e Validity information for measurement tools\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"center\"\u003e\n \u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"602\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 97px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 53px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCR\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 53px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAVE\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 52px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMSV\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 82px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaxR(H)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLS\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 79px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCN\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 97px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRFE\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 97px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLS\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 53px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.895\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 53px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.639\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 52px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.550\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 82px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.954\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.799\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 79px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 97px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 97px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCN\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 53px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.897\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 53px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.522\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 52px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.409\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 82px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.902\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.573***\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 79px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.723\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 97px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 97px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRFE\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 53px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.922\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 53px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.597\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 52px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.550\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 82px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.930\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 89px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.741***\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 79px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.640***\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 97px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0.773\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStructural Equation Modeling\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn SEM-based analyses, the measurement model must be tested before evaluating structural models [73]. The measurement model was tested using the Maximum Likelihood estimation method to generate a covariance matrix. Goodness-of-fit indices, including Chi-square (X\u0026sup2;), its associated p-value, X\u0026sup2;/df, CFI, SRMR, and RMSEA, were considered [72, 74, 75]. Reporting these values is deemed sufficient when the sample size exceeds 250 [76].\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore testing the research model, the measurement model, comprising the variables Connectedness to Nature, Recreational Flow Experience, and Leisure Satisfaction, was evaluated. The analysis revealed that regression coefficients were significant (p \u0026lt; .001). Due to suboptimal goodness-of-fit values in the initial analysis, error covariances were established between \u0026ldquo;CN6-CN7,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;RFE1-RFE2,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;RFE7-RFE8,\u0026rdquo; and \u0026ldquo;LS4-LS5,\u0026rdquo; and the analysis was repeated. The second analysis yielded satisfactory goodness-of-fit values (Chi-square (X\u0026sup2;) = 561.53; X\u0026sup2;/df = 3.08; RMSEA = .07; SRMR = .05; CFI = .93).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubsequently, path analysis was conducted using the Maximum Likelihood (ML) estimation method. The structural model, consisting of Connectedness to Nature, Recreational Flow Experience, and Leisure Satisfaction, was tested (Figure 1). As the goodness-of-fit values from the initial analysis were inadequate, error covariances were established between \u0026ldquo;RFE1-RFE2,\u0026rdquo; \u0026ldquo;RFE7-RFE8,\u0026rdquo; and \u0026ldquo;LS4-LS5,\u0026rdquo; and the analysis was repeated (Figure 6.1). This resulted in satisfactory fit indices (Chi-square (X\u0026sup2;) = 581.57; X\u0026sup2;/df = 3.17; RMSEA = .07; SRMR = .05; CFI = .93).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing the validation of the measurement model, the research hypotheses were tested using the SEM. The path diagram indicated that Connectedness to Nature significantly and positively influenced Leisure Satisfaction (\u0026beta; = 0.17, p \u0026lt; 0.001), Connectedness to Nature significantly and positively influenced Recreational Flow Experience (\u0026beta; = 0.63, p \u0026lt; 0.001), and Recreational Flow Experience significantly and positively influenced Leisure Satisfaction (\u0026beta; = 0.63, p \u0026lt; 0.001) (Table 5). Consequently, Hypothesis 1, 2, and 3 were supported.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 5.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eStandardized effects\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg 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\"\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c/strong\u003e *** p\u0026lt;0.001\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExamination of the R\u0026sup2; values (Table 6) revealed that Connectedness to Nature explains 40% of the variance in Recreational Flow Experience and 57% of the variance in Leisure Satisfaction.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 6.\u003c/strong\u003e Squared multiple correlations for the structural model\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"607\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 303px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 303px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eR\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 303px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRFE\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 303px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.40\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 303px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLS\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 303px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e.57\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo test the mediation effects, a mediation effect analysis was conducted using the Bootstrap 5000 resampling technique with a 95% confidence interval (CI). A confidence interval that does not include zero (0) indicates the presence of an indirect effect [77, 78]. The analysis results are presented in Table 7.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 7.\u003c/strong\u003e Mediation effect analysis results\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"center\"\u003e\n \u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"595\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"3\" style=\"width: 197px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"6\" style=\"width: 313px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBootstrap\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 79px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePath\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" style=\"width: 118px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEffect\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"3\" style=\"width: 156px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBias-Corrected 95%CI\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"3\" style=\"width: 156px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePercentile \u0026nbsp; 95% CI\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHypothesis\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 79px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd colspan=\"2\" style=\"width: 118px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMin.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 55px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMax.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMin.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 55px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMax.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" style=\"width: 79px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCN-RFE-LS\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 71px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTotal Effect\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.577\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.494\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 55px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.646\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.491\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 55px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.644\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd rowspan=\"3\" style=\"width: 85px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSupported\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 71px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eIndirect Effect\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.402\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.325\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 55px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.504\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.311\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 55px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.488\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 71px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDirect Effect\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.169\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.058\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 55px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.269\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 54px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.065\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 55px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.277\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd style=\"width: 47px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe analysis revealed that the indirect effect of Connectedness to Nature on Leisure Satisfaction through Recreational Flow Experience did not include zero (effect = 0.402) and fell within the lower and upper bounds (Bias-Corrected 95% CI = 0.325\u0026ndash;0.504; Percentile 95% CI = 0.311\u0026ndash;0.488). These results indicate that Recreational Flow Experience mediates the relationship between Connectedness to Nature and Leisure Satisfaction. Thus, Hypothesis 4 was supported.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis research employed Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to investigate the relationships among connectedness to nature, leisure satisfaction, and recreational flow experience in individuals engaged in outdoor sports, emphasizing the mediating role of flow experience in these dynamics. The results demonstrate that connectedness to nature directly influences leisure satisfaction and indirectly affects it via flow experience. This offers valuable understanding of the intricate effects of outdoor sports on individuals' psychological well-being.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe hypothesis regarding the positive impact of connectedness to nature on leisure satisfaction was validated (H1). This finding is consistent with numerous studies in the literature. Cosgriff [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e] observed that a connection to nature and natural areas fosters environmentally conscious lifestyle choices and increases satisfaction from leisure activities. Zelenski and Nisbet [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e] proposed that a connection with nature may enhance leisure satisfaction and contribute to environmental sustainability. Rosa et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR50\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e50\u003c/span\u003e] demonstrated that a strengthened connectedness to nature is a significant factor in leisure satisfaction. Ojala [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e] highlighted the importance of this connectedness in fostering an ecological worldview, noting that this relationship can develop throughout one's life. Additionally, leisure time spent in nature, coupled with positive emotions, can facilitate this evolution. Korpela and Kinnunen [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e] found that a strong connection to nature facilitated quicker recovery from work-related stress, as this connection mitigated stress effects and promoted rest and renewal. Engagement with nature facilitates recovery, allowing individuals to utilize their leisure time more purposefully and achieve enhanced satisfaction. The integration with nature enables individuals to participate in outdoor sports, thereby enhancing the significance and satisfaction of their leisure time.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe positive impact of nature connectedness on recreational flow experience was validated (H2). This finding indicates that a connection to nature enhances the probability of individuals achieving full concentration, losing awareness of time, and experiencing intrinsic satisfaction during activities. Zelenski and Nisbet [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e] observed a correlation between connectedness to nature and specific levels of happiness and flow, whereas W\u0026ouml;ran and Arnberger [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e] emphasized that outdoor sports create optimal conditions for flow experiences. Ak\u0026ccedil;akese et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e39\u003c/span\u003e] proposed that increased interaction with nature may result in more profound flow experiences, potentially improving positive environmental behaviors, environmental sensitivity, and communication with nature. Xie et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR42\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e42\u003c/span\u003e] suggested that exposure to nature enhances positive emotional and cognitive experiences, including flow, which in turn affects attitudes, sense of belonging, perceived values, and norms, ultimately influencing behavior. Tang et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR79\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e79\u003c/span\u003e] examined the relationship between flow experience and connectedness to nature, highlighting that emotional and physical experiences derived from time spent in nature enhance environmental attitudes and promote responsible nature conservation. Williams and Harvey [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR80\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e80\u003c/span\u003e] proposed that time spent in nature may enhance connectedness to nature via flow experiences. They observed that perceiving nature as an integrated living space, rather than as an external entity, could improve environmental sensitivity and deepen spiritual connections. Engagement with natural environments enhances individuals' connection to nature, promoting concentration on activities and facilitating flow experiences.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe positive impact of recreational flow experience on leisure satisfaction was validated (H3). Individuals in a state of flow report enhanced satisfaction and enjoyment in leisure activities. This is consistent with the findings of Csikszentmihalyi and Hunter [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR58\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e58\u003c/span\u003e], who indicated that engagement in leisure activities forecasts flow experiences and positively influences them. Flow experience serves as a significant contributor to the satisfaction and happiness associated with leisure activities. Heo et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR81\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e81\u003c/span\u003e] observed that leisure satisfaction has a significant and positive effect on flow experiences via sustained participation. Cheng et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR59\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e59\u003c/span\u003e] identified a significant positive correlation between engagement in leisure activities and the experience of flow. Flow experience is characterized as a conscious state that reflects the satisfaction individuals derive from participating in leisure activities that are engaging. Wu and Liang [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR82\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e82\u003c/span\u003e] demonstrated that flow experiences during activity participation enhance leisure satisfaction. In this context, flow experience enhances the significance of leisure activities and improves overall leisure satisfaction. Pace [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR83\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e83\u003c/span\u003e] noted that individuals deeply involved in an activity consciously recognize this condition as a flow experience.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe study identifies the mediating role of recreational flow experience in the relationship between connectedness to nature and leisure satisfaction. The results of the mediation analysis demonstrate that the relationship between connectedness to nature and leisure satisfaction is predominantly mediated by flow experience (H4). This indicates that, besides directly affecting leisure satisfaction, a connection to nature also indirectly improves leisure satisfaction by facilitating flow experiences. Howell et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR43\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e43\u003c/span\u003e] posited that flow experience correlates with happiness and life satisfaction, enhancing connectedness to nature. In contrast, Zhang et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e44\u003c/span\u003e] discovered that individuals in a flow state concentrate intensely on nature-based activities, fostering meaningful interactions with their environment. In this context, outdoor sports enhance individuals' connection to nature and promote flow experiences, thereby increasing leisure satisfaction.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis research offers important theoretical and practical insights into outdoor sports. This framework provides a comprehensive analysis of the relationships among connectedness to nature, flow experience, and leisure satisfaction, thereby deepening our comprehension of their interconnections. The mediating role of flow experience offers a nuanced understanding of the psychological impacts of outdoor sports on individuals. The study provides significant insights for outdoor sports organizations and recreational event planners. Activities that foster a connection to nature and facilitate flow experiences can improve leisure satisfaction among individuals. Outdoor sports events can emphasize aspects that enhance participants' engagement with nature and promote flow experiences, thereby rendering events more immersive, enjoyable, and satisfying.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study examined the relationships between connectedness to nature, recreational flow experience, and leisure satisfaction among outdoor sports participants, highlighting the significant mediating role of flow experience in these relationships. As all paths in the proposed model were significant, the model is deemed acceptable. The validated Leisure Satisfaction Model provides a valuable contribution to understanding the positive effects of outdoor sports on individuals\u0026rsquo; psychological well-being. The findings offer significant insights into the positive impact of outdoor sports on psychological well-being. Future research can further enrich the knowledge base in this field and enhance our understanding of the potential of outdoor sports to improve individuals\u0026rsquo; quality of life. By thoroughly investigating the relationships between connectedness to nature, recreational flow experience, and leisure satisfaction among outdoor sports participants, this study underscores the mediating role of flow experience. The findings contribute significantly to understanding the positive effects of outdoor sports on individuals\u0026rsquo; psychological well-being, mental relaxation, and overall life satisfaction. Furthermore, participation in outdoor sports was found to positively contribute to self-actualization, stress coping, and integration with nature, while aiding in managing negative mental states such as anxiety and depression. In this context, future research could explore differences among participants in various types of outdoor sports. The role of demographic variables (e.g., age, gender, education level) in the relationships between connectedness to nature, flow experience, and leisure satisfaction could be investigated. Studies could be expanded to include individuals in rural and urban areas. The long-term effects of outdoor sports on psychological well-being could be examined through longitudinal studies. Comparative studies could be conducted with outdoor sports participants from different cultural and geographical regions. Additionally, the relationship between connectedness to nature, flow experience, and leisure satisfaction could be explored alongside individuals\u0026rsquo; risk perceptions during flow experiences. Finally, specific outdoor sports (e.g., canoeing, rafting, trekking, paragliding) could be analyzed individually to examine their relationships with connectedness to nature, flow experience, and leisure satisfaction.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec18\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eLimitations\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis study has certain limitations. First, the research is limited to outdoor sports participants in T\u0026uuml;rkiye. Studies involving participants from diverse cultural and geographical regions could enhance the generalizability of the findings. Second, the study employs a cross-sectional design. Longitudinal studies could provide a better understanding of the temporal changes and causal relationships among the variables.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors’ contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe primary framework of the study was established by Erdoğan Ekinci, who also oversaw the data collection process and authored the introduction, discussion, and conclusion sections. The methodology section was authored by Fatih Mehmet Parlar, who also participated in the data collection process and the writing of the introduction. Additionally, he contributed to the development of the main framework of the research. The conclusion and recommendations were developed with the assistance of Özge Ercan, who also participated in the data collection phase. The findings section was authored by Nedim Tekin, who also conducted the statistical analyses of the collected data. The data entry and organization were the responsibilities of Begüm Yaşar Sönmez, who also provided assistance during specific stages of the literature review. The study's framework was furthered by Ümit Doğan ÜSTÜN, who also reviewed the literature and drafted the manuscript.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe research had no institutional or organizational funding.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability of data and materials\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll procedures performed in this study involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the Artvin Coruh University, and with the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe confirm that all methods were carried out in accordance with the relevant rules and regulations. We confirm that an online informed consent was obtained from all participants in this study. The study was approved by the Artvin Coruh University Scientific Research and Publication Ethics Committee (Date: 15.05.2025- Number: 178516).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot Applicable.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCorresponding Author:\u003c/strong\u003e Umit Dogan Ustun, [email protected]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor details\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e1\u003c/sup\u003e Artvin Coruh University, Arhavi Vocational School, Artvin/Türkiye.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e Karabük University, Hasan Doğan Sports Sciences Faculty, Karabük/Türkiye.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e Istanbul University, Cerrahpaşa Sports Sciences Faculty, İstanbul/Türkiye.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e4\u003c/sup\u003e Karabük University, Hasan Doğan Sports Sciences Faculty, Karabük/Türkiye.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e5\u003c/sup\u003e Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ankara/Türkiye.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csup\u003e6\u003c/sup\u003e Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Sports Sciences Faculty, Rize/Türkiye.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eCollins L, Brymer E. 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International Journal of Human-Computer Studies. 2004;60(3):327-63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhcs.2003.08.005\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Outdoor sports, Flow experience, Connectedness to nature, Leisure satisfaction","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6917351/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6917351/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAim:\u003c/strong\u003e In the context of outdoor sports, the bond individuals form with nature, the flow experience during activities, and the resulting leisure satisfaction offer a potential relationship that may influence the psychological dimensions of participation and overall well-being. This study aimed to examine the mediating role of recreational flow experience in the relationship between connectedness to nature and leisure satisfaction among outdoor sports participants in Turkey.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethod:\u003c/strong\u003e Data was collected from 396 participants using online scales. The acquired data were examined utilizing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResults:\u003c/strong\u003e The findings revealed that connectedness to nature significantly and positively influenced both recreational flow experience and leisure satisfaction. Additionally, recreational flow experience was found to positively affect leisure satisfaction. Most notably, recreational flow experience was identified as a significant mediator in the relationship between connectedness to nature and leisure satisfaction, indicating that the effect of connectedness to nature on leisure satisfaction is largely mediated through flow experience.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConclusion:\u003c/strong\u003e Consequently, the study highlights the critical importance of the bond with nature and the flow experience in enhancing leisure satisfaction through outdoor sports, confirming the functionality of the proposed leisure satisfaction model.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommendations:\u003c/strong\u003e It is recommended that outdoor sports activities be designed to both enhance participants' interaction with nature and promote flow experiences.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"The Mediating Role of Recreational Flow Experience in the Relationship Between Connectedness to Nature and Leisure Satisfaction Among Outdoor Sports Participants","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-07-28 05:47:16","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6917351/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"159554aa-c049-42a3-9900-b7154eb2669e","owner":[],"postedDate":"July 28th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-08-26T08:08:13+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-07-28 05:47:16","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-6917351","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-6917351","identity":"rs-6917351","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}