The influence of recreational angling on mental health among older adults: a self-determination theory perspective

Objective This study explored how recreational fishing influences the elderly’s psychological well-being through self-determination theory (SDT) and analyzed the mediating roles of autonomy, competence, and belonging. Methods A total of 364 elderly anglers in Yunnan Province were investigated with the Leisure Fishing Behavior Questionnaire, Basic Psychological Needs Scale, and Index of Well-Being scale. The mediating effect of self-determination theory on recreational fishing behavior and well-being was analyzed by structural equation modeling (SEM). Results Among 364 older recreational anglers, structural equation modeling showed that recreational angling behavior was positively associated with subjective well-being (total standardized effect = 0.17, p < 0.001). Autonomy, competence, and belonging partially mediated this association, accounting for approximately 21%, 14%, and 12% of the total effect, respectively.