Abstract
Background
Pharmacists are frequently exposed to high occupational stress, yet limited research has explored psychological recovery mechanisms in this group. Leisure travel may offer restorative benefits that enhance psychological well-being, but the underlying processes remain insufficiently understood. This study aims to examine the association between the frequency of leisure travel and psychological well-being among pharmacists in Henan, China, with particular attention to the mediating roles of perceived stress and social support.
Methods
A cross-sectional design was employed, with data collected from 947 licensed pharmacists working in community, clinical, and hospital settings across Henan, China, between August and October 2024. A stratified random sampling strategy was used to ensure balanced representation across pharmacy practice types, geographic regions, and experience levels. Key study variables were assessed using validated psychometric instruments. Regression-based mediation analysis was performed to determine the direct and indirect associations among the study variables.
Results
The frequency of leisure travel was positively and significantly associated with psychological well-being (β = 0.36, p < 0.001). Perceived stress (β = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.09–0.25) and social support (β = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.10–0.31) independently mediated this relationship. A significant sequential mediation pathway was also observed (β = 0.06, 95% CI: 0.01–0.17), wherein leisure travel was linked to lower perceived stress, enhancing social support, and improving psychological well-being.
Conclusion
These results underscore the potential psychological benefits of frequent travel, suggesting that emotional recovery and interpersonal support may be key mechanisms linking travel behaviors to improved well-being. The study offers meaningful implications for healthcare organizations aiming to support pharmacists’ mental health through evidence-based leisure and recovery strategies.
Supplementary Information
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40359-025-03191-0.
Keywords: Psychological well-being, Frequency of leisure travel, Perceived stress, Social support, Pharmacists, China
Background
Pharmacists, as frontline healthcare providers, operate within increasingly complex and demanding work environments that place them at substantial risk for psychological distress. The profession entails a blend of technical precision, high-volume workloads, and continuous patient interaction, conditions that cumulatively contribute to elevated stress levels, emotional exhaustion, and job dissatisfaction [1–3]. Unlike many healthcare roles within structured clinical teams, pharmacists often face a combination of autonomous decision-making and emotionally charged customer encounters, intensifying their roles’ cognitive and emotional demands [4]. The burden of managing medication safety, delivering patient education, and navigating the expectations of both clients and institutions frequently leads to role strain and burnout, notably when adequate organizational support is lacking [5–7]. Pharmacists’ psychological well-being is critical for their health and the safety and efficacy of their healthcare services. Psychological well-being encompasses both hedonic components (e.g., life satisfaction, emotional positivity) and eudaimonic elements (e.g., purpose, autonomy, and self-realization) that together shape an individual’s ability to function adaptively in demanding settings [8, 9]. Evidence suggests that compromised well-being among pharmacists is associated with reduced clinical performance, impaired decision-making, and increased risk of professional attrition [10, 11]. Given the escalating mental health concerns across healthcare systems globally, identifying scalable, evidence-based strategies to enhance the well-being of pharmacists has become an urgent research and policy priority.
In this context, growing attention is paid to non-clinical, self-directed coping interventions that can offset occupational strain and enhance emotional resilience. One such intervention is leisure travel, which offers a structured opportunity for psychological detachment, relaxation, and restorative engagement away from professional demands. While leisure travel has been linked to improved mood, reduced stress, and greater life satisfaction in general populations [12, 13], its specific relevance and underlying mechanisms in high-stress healthcare professions like pharmacy remain underexplored. The present study aims to investigate the frequency of leisure travel as a potential protective factor for pharmacists’ psychological well-being by examining its direct and indirect effects through perceived stress and social support mechanisms.
Frequency of leisure travel as a predictor of psychological well-being
Psychological well-being is increasingly conceptualized as a multidimensional construct encompassing emotional vitality, life satisfaction, a sense of purpose, and the capacity to manage life’s challenges [9, 14]. In occupational settings marked by chronic stress, such as pharmacy practice, maintaining psychological well-being requires access to restorative experiences that replenish depleted emotional and cognitive resources. In this regard, the frequency of leisure travel has emerged as a potentially powerful yet underutilized avenue for psychological recovery. It offers individuals structured opportunities to disengage from work-related demands, encounter novel stimuli, and reestablish personal equilibrium [13, 15, 16]. Theoretically, this association is grounded in Recovery Theory, which posits that recovery experiences—characterized by psychological detachment, relaxation, mastery, and control—are critical for restoring pre-stressor functioning [17]. Leisure travel provides a temporal and spatial break from occupational pressures, enabling individuals to regain mental clarity and emotional stability through engagement with restorative environments. Complementing this, the Broaden-and-Build Theory of Positive Emotions [18] suggests that the positive emotions elicited during leisure travel—such as joy, awe, and gratitude—broaden individuals’ thought-action repertoires and build lasting psychological resources, such as resilience and optimism. These theoretical frameworks jointly suggest that travel can produce immediate relief from stress and enduring enhancements in emotional functioning. Empirically, the frequency of leisure travel has been associated with various psychological benefits, including improved mood, increased vitality, and enhanced life satisfaction [16, 19]. For instance, recent cross-national studies have shown that more frequent engagement in leisure travel is predictive of higher subjective well-being, even when controlling for sociodemographic factors and baseline mental health [20–23]. While these effects are well-documented in general populations, relatively few studies have focused on healthcare professionals, and even fewer on pharmacists, who face unique occupational stressors. By extending this literature into a high-stress healthcare profession, the present study posits that the frequency of leisure travel may directly contribute to psychological well-being among pharmacists.
H1: The frequency of leisure travel has a direct effect on psychological well-being among pharmacists.
Perceived stress as a mediator
One of leisure travel’s most immediate psychological benefits is its capacity to reduce perceived stress through environmental detachment and restorative engagement. According to the Biopsychosocial Model of Challenge and Threat, an individual’s appraisal of environmental demands as either a challenge (manageable) or a threat (overwhelming) directly shapes their physiological and psychological responses [24]. Persistent exposure to threat appraisals may activate maladaptive stress responses within chronically stressful work environments, such as pharmacy practice, including heightened cortisol levels, fatigue, and emotional dysregulation [25–27]. Frequent leisure travelling, by contrast, provides a context for reframing such demands, enabling individuals to psychologically detach from routine pressures and engage in environments that promote safety, novelty, and emotional relief. Frequent travel offers a structured break from occupational responsibilities. It allows for participation in low-effort, intrinsically rewarding activities—such as sightseeing, walking in nature, or cultural immersion—which facilitate emotional decompression and cognitive reset [16, 28, 29]. Empirical studies have shown that frequent leisure travel is associated with reductions in biological stress markers, including cortisol levels and systolic blood pressure, particularly when travel includes exposure to natural environments and opportunities for physical activity [30, 31]. Furthermore, restful sleep and increased positive affect, commonly reported during vacation, contribute to the re-regulation of emotional systems disrupted by chronic work stress [20, 32]. Among healthcare professionals, stress recovery has been consistently linked to improved concentration, emotional stability, and job satisfaction [33, 34]. Yet few studies have explicitly examined how the frequency of leisure travel supports stress reduction in pharmacists, an occupational group uniquely affected by technical workload and patient-facing emotional labor. By applying a mediation lens, the present study explores whether perceived stress serves as an explanatory mechanism through which the frequency of leisure travel promotes psychological well-being in this high-risk professional group.
H2: Perceived stress mediates the relationship between the frequency of leisure travel and psychological well-being among pharmacists.
Social support as a mediator
While perceived stress reflects an intrapersonal pathway through which the frequency of leisure travel may enhance well-being, social support constitutes a vital interpersonal mechanism that merits examination. The Broaden-and-Build Theory of Positive Emotions [18] posits that positive affective states expand individuals’ cognitive and behavioral repertoires, fostering greater social openness, trust, and relational engagement. During leisure travel, individuals are exposed to emotionally enriching experiences, such as joy, relaxation, and awe, conducive to forming or strengthening social bonds. These interactions, whether with travel companions or new acquaintances, can result in the accumulation of both emotional support (e.g., empathy, reassurance) and instrumental support (e.g., assistance, advice), which are essential components of psychological resilience [35]. In high-stress professions like pharmacy, social support serves as a psychological buffer against the deleterious effects of chronic workload, emotional fatigue, and role ambiguity [36–38]. Supportive relationships foster a sense of belonging, enhance emotional regulation, and mitigate feelings of isolation—factors directly associated with improved psychological well-being [39]. Whether through shared activities or meaningful conversations, travel-based interactions can reinforce these supportive networks. Significantly, leisure travel often facilitates environments less constrained by professional roles and more conducive to authentic connection, which may amplify perceived support quality [40, 41]. Empirical studies have documented that individuals who engage in regular leisure activities, particularly those involving frequent leisure travel, report higher levels of perceived social support and relational satisfaction [42, 43]. Furthermore, these relational benefits have been shown to mediate the positive effects of the frequency of leisure travel on both mental health and job-related outcomes, including reduced burnout and increased life satisfaction. Despite this growing evidence, the mediating role of social support in the relationship between the frequency of leisure travel and well-being remains underexplored in pharmacist populations. The present study addresses this gap by examining whether perceived social support is a key mechanism through which the frequency of leisure travel enhances psychological well-being in pharmacists.
H3: Social support mediates the relationship between the frequency of leisure travel and psychological well-being among pharmacists.
Sequential mediation of perceived stress and social support
While perceived stress and social support independently contribute to psychological well-being, their interplay may reveal a more complex and dynamic pathway by which the frequency of leisure travel exerts its positive effects. Specifically, a sequential mediation model—in which perceived stress precedes the development of social support—offers a theoretically grounded and psychologically plausible mechanism for understanding this relationship. This model aligns with the integration of Recovery Theory [17] and the Broaden-and-Build Theory of Positive Emotions [18], offering a dual-lens explanation for how internal emotional restoration catalyzes interpersonal resource-building.
From a Recovery Theory perspective, the experience of psychological detachment, relaxation, and low-demand leisure engagement during travel allows individuals to replenish depleted emotional and cognitive resources [44, 45]. As stress levels decline, individuals regain what can be described as emotional bandwidth—the internal capacity to attend to, empathize with, and positively respond to others [46]. This restored internal state is not merely the absence of stress, but the re-emergence of a readiness for social interaction. In turn, Broaden-and-Build Theory posits that positive affect arising from such recovery expands individuals’ momentary thought-action repertoires, including the inclination toward social openness, prosocial behaviors, and emotional expressiveness [47, 48]. Thus, emotionally restored individuals are more likely to seek out and benefit from meaningful social interactions.
While still developing, empirical research provides preliminary support for this sequential logic. Studies have showed that individuals experiencing reduced stress demonstrate greater emotional availability, perspective-taking, and trust—all of which facilitate supportive relationships [35, 49, 50]. Moreover, leisure contexts such as travel amplify these effects by reducing emotional constraints and increasing opportunities for spontaneous and high-quality interpersonal engagement [40, 51]. For pharmacists, whose professional roles often entail emotional suppression and social fatigue, the ability to reconnect socially after stress recovery may be especially critical for long-term psychological resilience. Despite limited direct empirical testing of this exact pathway, the sequential mediation of stress reduction and social support represents a theory-informed model synthesizing well-established psychological principles. By exploring this pathway, the present study extends the literature on leisure travel and well-being. It contributes a nuanced understanding of how internal recovery processes can facilitate external relational gains in high-stress occupational groups.
H4: The frequency of leisure travel improves psychological well-being through a sequential mediation effect, whereby it first reduces perceived stress, which enhances social support, ultimately leading to improved well-being.
Study rationale and contribution
Although the psychological benefits of leisure travel have been widely acknowledged in the general population, research examining its impact within high-stress occupational groups remains limited and fragmented. Existing studies have focused mainly on leisure travel as a unidimensional construct, often overlooking the complex mechanisms through which its psychological effects unfold [13, 16]. This gap is particularly evident in the case of pharmacists. These professionals operate in high-pressure environments characterized by long hours, cognitive overload, emotional labor, and a heightened responsibility for patient safety. Despite increasing evidence of burnout and psychological distress in this group, little attention has been devoted to identifying theoretically informed, scalable interventions that support their psychological well-being.
Moreover, while perceived stress and social support have individually been studied as mediating variables in various well-being models, very few investigations have examined them in tandem, let al.one in a sequentially mediated framework. Theoretical frameworks such as Recovery Theory and the Broaden-and-Build Theory suggest a compelling temporal relationship between these constructs, where emotional restoration through stress relief creates the cognitive and emotional space necessary for meaningful social engagement [17, 18]. However, this conceptual pathway remains underexplored empirically, especially in the context of professional populations exposed to chronic stress. The current study addresses this omission by proposing and testing a sequential mediation model in which the frequency of leisure travel enhances psychological well-being through perceived stress and strengthened social support (Fig. 1). This theoretically grounded approach introduces a novel explanatory mechanism and advances existing models of leisure and well-being.
Fig. 1.
The hypothesized study model
By empirically validating this integrative model in a high-stress healthcare profession, the study contributes conceptual depth and applied relevance to the literature on occupational mental health. The sequential mediation framework reflects a more ecologically valid psychological recovery process, one in which emotional capacity must be replenished before individuals can make meaningful social investments. This more profound understanding of how recovery and social connection interact offers a theoretically robust and practically actionable model for promoting psychological well-being in pharmacists and similar professional groups.
From a policy perspective, the findings hold meaningful implications for healthcare administrators and professional organizations. If the frequency of leisure travel can demonstrably alleviate stress and foster social resilience among pharmacists, then structured support for restorative time away from work, whether through scheduling flexibility, travel subsidies, or cultural encouragement, may offer a cost-effective strategy for improving employee well-being, job satisfaction, and ultimately, patient care outcomes. Consequently, the current study contributes a robust and multi-layered understanding of how the frequency of leisure travel influences psychological well-being, grounded in theoretical coherence, empirical rigor, and professional relevance.
Methods
Data source and study population
The data utilized in this study were collected from a cohort of pharmacists practicing in community settings, clinical facilities, and hospitals in Henan, China, between August and October 2024. The selection of the study population was deliberate, with the intention of capturing a wide range of pharmacy practice settings in the region. This approach was adopted to ensure a comprehensive exploration of the research questions at hand.
Sampling technique
A stratified random sampling methodology was employed to ensure that the sample adequately represented the diverse range of pharmacy practice settings in Henan Province. Stratification was based on pharmacy type (i.e., community, clinical, and hospital), geographic location, and cumulative years of professional experience. A master list of licensed pharmacists was obtained from the Henan Provincial Health Commission, which maintains a registry of active pharmacy practitioners. Using this list as the sampling frame, pharmacists within each stratum were assigned a unique identification code, and a computer-generated randomization procedure was applied to select participants proportionally across strata. This approach enhanced the generalizability of findings by capturing a balanced distribution of pharmacists across settings and experience levels. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire to capture professional experiences related to patient counseling, medication management, and continuing development. Prior to full deployment, the instrument was pilot tested among a small group of pharmacists (n = 35) to ensure cultural relevance, clarity, and content validity.
Survey administration
The survey was administered via a secure online platform to protect confidentiality and data. Using the official registry obtained from the Henan Provincial Health Commission, personalized email invitations were sent to pharmacists randomly selected from each stratum. These invitations were distributed through institutional email addresses, including a detailed study description, ethical approval notice, informed consent information, and a hyperlink to access the survey. To improve participation, non-respondents received two reminder emails at one-week intervals. This electronic approach ensured a consistent recruitment process while maintaining participant anonymity and voluntary engagement.
Determination of sample size
The study utilized Cochran’s formula for finite populations to calculate the required sample size, accounting for a 95% confidence level, 5% margin of error, and an anticipated response distribution. A design effect was applied to adjust for clustering within pharmacy practice settings. Based on these parameters, the minimum required sample size was 934. Survey invitations were sent to 1,300 pharmacists randomly selected from the registry to accommodate potential non-response. A total of 1,051 participants completed the survey, resulting in a response rate of approximately 80.85%, which exceeded the target sample size and ensured sufficient statistical power for the planned analyses.
Inclusion and exclusion criteria
Pharmacists were eligible to participate in the study if they met the following criteria:
Actively practicing as a licensed pharmacist in the selected community, clinical, or hospital setting.
Willingness to participate in the study and provide informed consent.
Employment in the specified region during the data collection period.
Pharmacists who were retired, not currently practicing, or unable to provide informed consent were excluded from the study.
By employing a rigorous methodology tailored to the specific context of Henan, China, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the practices and challenges faced by pharmacists in various settings, ultimately contributing to the advancement of pharmacy practice and patient care in the region.
The research instruments
Psychological well-being
Psychological well-being was assessed using the Chinese version of the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) [52], which consists of 14-item sequential items to measure the three aspects of positive psychological function, emotion, and interpersonal relationship satisfaction, which reflect psychological well-being. A 5-point Likert scale scored all items (1 = Never to 5 = always). The total score ranges from 14 to 70; higher scores mean higher subjective well-being. The scale has demonstrated its validity and reliability across various demographics, including healthcare workers [53, 54].
Frequency of leisure travel
The Leisure Travel Questionnaire (LTQ) was explicitly developed for this research to assess the frequency of leisure travel among individuals. The development of the scale was prompted by the requirement for a brief yet inclusive instrument capable of effectively documenting the frequency of leisure travel behaviors of the specified demographic, with a primary emphasis on pharmacists. The scale comprises questions aimed at eliciting information from participants regarding their frequency of leisure travel behaviors within the past year. The survey instrument has been designed to enable the acquisition of data about the frequency of leisure travel, the nature of activities undertaken during such excursions, and the duration of each travel episode. Respondents are asked to rate these variables on a scale ranging from “0: Never” to “5: Very often”. In order to establish the reliability and validity of the LTQ, a pilot study was conducted, and the instrument was subsequently refined following feedback from experts in the field of travel research and potential respondents. Scores were calculated by summing the responses to these items, with higher scores indicating a greater frequency of leisure travel. Preliminary analysis conducted during the development phase of the LTQ demonstrated good internal consistency. The scale’s construct validity was also established through exploratory factor analysis, which confirmed that the items measure a single underlying construct related to leisure travel frequency. In the present study, the LTQ was administered to a sample of pharmacists to gather data regarding their leisure travel habits, and the reliability estimate was 0.87 (Supplementary File).
Perceived stress
Perceived stress was measured by the Chinese version of the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) [55]. The PSS-10 is structured into two subscales: loss of control (5 items) and sense of tension (5 items). Responses are measured using a 5-point Likert scale, with 1 representing ‘no stress’ and 5 indicating ‘extreme stress.’ The scale’s reliability is demonstrated by a Cronbach’s alpha value typically above 0.70, reflecting robust internal consistency among various Chinese populations [56–58]. Participants were asked to report their thoughts during the last month, with a lower score indicating a reduced level of stress.
Perceived social support
The Chinese version of the ten-item Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) was used to evaluate individuals’ subjective (4 items), objective (3 items), and availability of support (3 items) [59]. The SSRS uses a mixed scoring system, with different items scored on varying scales (e.g., Likert-type scales or frequency-based responses). Higher scores indicate greater levels of perceived social support. The scale has demonstrated good reliability and validity in Chinese populations, making it a robust tool for assessing social support in both clinical and community settings [60–62].
Ethical approval
This study was conducted following the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and adhered to the ethical guidelines provided by the Ethics Review Committee of Henan Normal University, China (R-00672/D). All participants were fully informed about the purpose and nature of the study, including its potential benefits and risks. Participation in the study was voluntary, and participants could withdraw at any time without consequence. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants before their inclusion in the study. The confidentiality of participants’ personal information was strictly maintained throughout the research process. Data were collected and stored securely to protect participants’ anonymity and privacy. Furthermore, this study respected the cultural norms and sensitivities of the population in the region, ensuring that all materials and methods were appropriate and respectful to the community.
Statistical analysis
This study’s data collection and analysis utilized the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. At the outset, standardization and descriptive statistical methods, encompassing central tendency and variability measures such as the mean and standard deviation, were employed to examine the independent variables (frequency of leisure travel), mediating factors (perceived stress, social support), and dependent variables (psychological well-being). The study utilized the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test to assess the normal distribution of the variables under investigation. The investigation utilized the Pearson correlation coefficient to examine the bivariate association between the frequency of leisure travel, psychological well-being, perceived stress, and social support. The current investigation utilized Model 6 within the SPSS macro software PROCESS to investigate the potential mediation of stress reduction and social support in the association between the frequency of leisure travel and psychological well-being. The bias-corrected bootstrap method was employed to investigate the mediation hypothesis in a sample of 5000 individuals. The model includes age and gender as covariates for potential confounding factors. The statistical significance of indirect effects was established based on the 95% confidence interval (CI), which did not encompass zero. Additionally, prior to the processing of data, a single-factor confirmatory factor analysis was utilized to evaluate the potential presence of common method bias. This study set the significance level for p-values at 0.05.
Results
Preliminary analyses
The collinearity diagnostics confirmed no multicollinearity issues among the predictors, with tolerance values ranging from 0.84 to 0.93 and VIF values between 1.07 and 1.52, both within acceptable limits [63]. Reliability estimates demonstrated strong internal consistency, with Cronbach’s α ranging from 0.87 to 0.91 across constructs. Composite reliability (CR) values above 0.7 and average variance extracted (AVE) values exceeding 0.5 further established reliability and convergent validity, confirming that the constructs are robust and appropriately measured. For instance, Frequency of Leisure Travel, Perceived Stress, Social Support, and Psychological Well-Being all meet these criteria, ensuring the validity of the subsequent analysis. These findings indicated that the constructs are reliable and valid for testing the hypothesized relationships in the structural model (Table 1).
Table 1.
Collinearity diagnostic test along with reliability and validity estimates
| Tolerance | VIF | α | CR | AVE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency of Leisure Travel | 0.93 | 1.34 | 0.87 | 0.74 | 0.591 |
| Perceived Stress | 0.86 | 1.07 | 0.91 | 0.78 | 0.681 |
| Social Support | 0.84 | 1.52 | 0.87 | 0.73 | 0.602 |
| Psychological Well-being | 0.89 | 0.76 | 0.625 |
Note: VIF: Variance inflation factor. CR: Composite reliability. AVE: average variance extracted
Sociodemographic distribution analysis
The study sample consisted of 1,051 hospital pharmacists (Table 2), with the majority aged 36–45 years (60.13%) and a slight male predominance (54.61%). Most held advanced degrees, including a Pharm.D. (53.85%) or Master’s in Pharmacy (20.27%). A noTable 44% were divorced or widowed, while 54.90% had 0–1 child. Nearly half (46.53%) reported middle-income levels (RMB 6,000–10,000), and the majority had 6–20 years of professional experience (80.98%). Day shifts were most common (49.95%), and employment types were relatively evenly distributed among permanent, part-time, full-time, and contractual roles, reflecting a diverse and experienced pharmacist workforce.
Table 2.
Socio-demographic characteristics of the hospital pharmacists (n = 1,051)
| Variables | Category | Number of participants | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | |||
| 22–35 | 377 | 35.87% | |
| 36–45 | 632 | 60.13% | |
| 46–60 | 42 | 4.00% | |
| Gender | |||
| Male | 574 | 54.61% | |
| Female | 477 | 45.39% | |
| Educational level | |||
| B. Pharm | 209 | 19.89% | |
| Pharm.D. | 566 | 53.85% | |
| Masters in Pharmacy | 213 | 20.27% | |
| PhD/Other specializations | 63 | 5.99% | |
| Marital status | |||
| Single | 335 | 31.87% | |
| Married | 254 | 24.17% | |
| Divorced/Widowed | 462 | 43.96% | |
| No. of children | |||
| 0–1 | 577 | 54.90% | |
| 2–3 | 474 | 45.10% | |
| Income level (RMB) | |||
| < 5,000 (Low) | 147 | 13.99% | |
| 6,000–10,000 (Middle) | 489 | 46.53% | |
| > 10,000 (High) | 415 | 39.49% | |
| Year of experience | |||
| 0–5 years | 123 | 11.70% | |
| 6–10 years | 475 | 45.20% | |
| 11–20 years | 376 | 35.78% | |
| 21 + years | 77 | 7.33% | |
| Shift work | |||
| Day | 525 | 49.95% | |
| Night | 291 | 27.69% | |
| Rotational | 235 | 22.36% | |
| Employment status | |||
| Full-time | 256 | 24.36% | |
| Part-time | 271 | 25.78% | |
| Contractual | 247 | 23.50% | |
| Permanent | 277 | 26.36% |
Correlational analysis
Table 3 presents the correlation matrix and the mean and standard deviation of the study variables. The bivariate correlation analysis revealed that psychological well-being was positively correlated with frequency of leisure travel (r = 0.46, p < 0.001), indicating a moderate association, and with social support (r = 0.53, p < 0.001), suggesting a moderately strong relationship. Its negative correlation with perceived stress (r = − 0.60, p < 0.001) reflects a strong inverse association, consistent with theoretical expectations. Frequency of leisure travel was moderately associated with social support (r = 0.44, p < 0.001) and weakly related to perceived stress (r = − 0.35, p < 0.01), while social support and perceived stress were also inversely correlated (r = − 0.57, p < 0.001), indicating a moderate to strong relationship.
Table 3.
Descriptive and correlational analysis outcomes
| Mean | SD | Psychological Well-being | Frequency of Leisure Travel | Perceived Stress |
Social Support | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychological well-being | 3.19 | 0.62 | 1 | |||
| Frequency of Leisure Travel | 2.08 | 0.46 | 0.46*** | 1 | ||
| Perceived Stress | 2.67 | 0.71 | 0.60*** | 0.35** | 1 | |
| Social Support | 5.13 | 0.88 | 0.53*** | 0.44*** | 0.57*** | 1 |
Note: **p < 0.01. ***p < 0.001. SD: standard deviation
Regression results
The regression analysis results identify several key predictors of psychological well-being, perceived stress, and social support (Table 4). Collectively, these predictors account for 16% of the variance in mental well-being (R² = 0.16, F = 56.07, p < 0.001). Notably, the frequency of leisure travel emerges as a robust positive predictor of psychological well-being (β = 0.36, t = 4.44, p < 0.001). Additionally, both perceived stress (β = 0.46, t = 4.80, p < 0.001) and social support (β = 0.55, t = 5.83, p < 0.001) make significant positive contributions to psychological well-being. Age (β = 0.14, t = 1.69, p < 0.05) and gender (β = 0.10, t = 1.13, p < 0.05) also demonstrate smaller yet significant effects.
Table 4.
Regression analysis results
| Regression equation | Fitting Index | Significance | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Response variable | Predictors | R | R 2 | F | β | t |
| Psychological well-being | Age | 0.25 | 0.06 | 28.94*** | 0.15 | 2.33*** |
| Gender | 0.10 | 1.05 | ||||
| Frequency of Leisure Travel | 0.36 | 4.42*** | ||||
| Perceived Stress | Age | 0.18 | 0.03 | 16.95*** | 0.22 | 2.76*** |
| Gender | 0.14 | 1.06 | ||||
| Frequency of Leisure Travel | 0.29 | 3.15*** | ||||
| Social support | Age | 0.46 | 0.21 | 81.46*** | 0.14 | 1.76*** |
| Gender | 0.13 | 1.45** | ||||
| Frequency of Leisure Travel | 0.33 | 3.74*** | ||||
| Perceived Stress | 0.38 | 4.15*** | ||||
| Psychological well-being | Age | 0.40 | 0.16 | 56.07*** | 0.14 | 1.69** |
| Gender | 0.10 | 1.13** | ||||
| Frequency of Leisure Travel | 0.36 | 4.44*** | ||||
| Perceived Stress | 0.46 | 4.80*** | ||||
| Social Support | 0.55 | 5.83*** | ||||
Note: **p < 0.01. ***p < 0.001. β is the standardized coefficient
In perceived stress, the predictors account for 3% of the variability (R² = 0.03, F = 16.95, p < 0.001). The findings of the study indicate that there is a strong correlation between the frequency of leisure travel (β = 0.29, t = 3.15, p < 0.001) and age (β = 0.22, t = 2.76, p < 0.001) as significant predictors. It was observed that the frequency of leisure travel has a noticeable positive impact on the outcome. There was no significant association between gender and perceived stress. The predictors accounted for a significant 21% of the variability in social support, as evidenced by the coefficient of determination (R² = 0.21, F = 81.46, p < 0.001). The findings of the study indicated that an increase in the frequency of leisure travel (β = 0.33, t = 3.74, p < 0.001) and perceived stress (β = 0.38, t = 4.15, p < 0.001) are positively associated with higher levels of social support. The results indicated that age (β = 0.14, t = 1.76, p < 0.001) and gender (β = 0.13, t = 1.45, p < 0.01) both displayed positive effects, albeit to a lesser extent compared to the other predictors.
Sequential mediation analysis
The sequential mediation analysis revealed that the relationship between frequency of leisure travel and psychological well-being is direct and indirect, with indirect pathways operating through perceived stress and social support (Table 5). The direct effect of frequency of leisure travel on psychological well-being was statistically significant (β = 0.36, 95% CI [0.23, 0.51]), accounting for approximately 49.32% of the total effect. The indirect effect via perceived stress alone (β = 0.13, 95% CI [0.09, 0.25]) explained 17.81% of the total effect, while the path via social support alone (β = 0.18, 95% CI [0.10, 0.31]) accounted for 24.66%. Notably, the sequential mediation pathway—where leisure travel reduces perceived stress, enhances social support and subsequently improves psychological well-being—was also statistically significant (β = 0.06, 95% CI [0.01, 0.17]), contributing 8.22% of the total effect. In addition, the total indirect effect was β = 0.37 (95% CI [0.22, 0.48]), which slightly exceeded the direct effect, suggesting that the mediating processes collectively explain more than half of the association between travel and well-being.
Table 5.
Stress reduction and social support in the mediation effect analysis
| Pathways relationships | Effect size | Effect % |
95% CI | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boot LCI | Boot UPI | ||||
| Direct effect | Frequency of Leisure Travel → Psychological well-being | 0.36 | 49.32% | 0.23 | 0.51 |
| Indirect effect | Frequency of Leisure Travel → Perceived Stress → Psychological Well-being | 0.13 | 17.81% | 0.09 | 0.25 |
| Frequency of Leisure Travel → Social Support → Psychological Well-being | 0.18 | 24.66% | 0.10 | 0.31 | |
| Frequency of Leisure Travel → Perceived Stress → Social Support → Psychological Well-being | 0.06 | 8.22% | 0.01 | 0.17 | |
| Total indirect effect | 0.37 | 50.68% | 0.22 | 0.48 | |
| Total effect | 0.73 | 100% | 0.53 | 0.89 | |
Discussion
This study examined how the frequency of leisure travel relates to psychological well-being among pharmacists in Henan Province, with particular attention to the mediating roles of perceived stress and social support. The findings revealed that more frequent engagement in leisure travel was positively associated with psychological well-being, both directly and indirectly through reductions in perceived stress and enhancements in social support. Additionally, a significant sequential mediation pathway was identified, whereby leisure travel first reduced stress levels, facilitating greater perceived social support, ultimately contributing to improved well-being. These results support the proposed theoretical model and underscore the multifaceted psychological benefits of leisure travel for individuals in high-stress healthcare professions. The findings offer important practical insights for healthcare institutions that promote pharmacists’ mental health, highlighting leisure travel as a potentially valuable avenue for organizational well-being initiatives and workforce sustainability.
The analysis revealed a significant positive association between the frequency of leisure travel and psychological well-being, lending empirical support to Hypothesis 1. This finding suggested that pharmacists who travel more frequently report greater psychological well-being, aligning with theoretical propositions that leisure travel offers a structured opportunity for emotional, cognitive, and physiological restoration [22, 23]. The Broaden-and-Build Theory of Positive Emotions [18] provides a valuable lens for interpreting this effect, positing that engagement in pleasurable, non-work experiences fosters expanded emotional capacity and enduring psychological resources such as optimism and resilience. This mechanism is especially pertinent in pharmacy settings, where sustained occupational demands can erode well-being over time [64]. Empirically, prior studies have consistently found that leisure travel enhances life satisfaction, mood, and vitality across populations [23, 65]. By focusing specifically on pharmacists—an understudied yet high-stress professional group—this study extends the literature by showing that the psychological benefits of travel are also observable in specialized healthcare contexts.
Expanding on the direct association, the analysis confirmed Hypothesis 2 by showing that perceived stress significantly mediated the relationship between the frequency of leisure travel and psychological well-being. This suggests that one key mechanism through which leisure travel promotes mental health is by reducing individuals’ subjective experience of stress. The Biopsychosocial Model of Challenge and Threat [66] offers a compelling theoretical lens here, emphasizing that stress responses depend on whether individuals have adequate resources to meet environmental demands. Leisure travel fosters psychological detachment, exposure to novel and calming environments, and opportunities for emotional decompression, all of which may reframe occupational stressors as less overwhelming. This is particularly pertinent for pharmacists, who often face high workload intensity, emotional labor, and clinical accountability. Empirical research supports this interpretation: de Bloom et al. (2010) [45] found that vacations significantly reduced stress and improved mood and energy levels among working adults. Similarly, Nawijn (2011) [13] observed that the psychological benefits of travel include enhanced vitality and lower stress levels, primarily when travel facilitates rest and positive emotional experiences. For healthcare workers, even short breaks have been associated with improved emotional regulation and reduced burnout risk [67, 68]. Thus, the present study contributes to this literature by demonstrating that perceived stress is a meaningful pathway linking frequent travel with enhanced psychological functioning in a high-stakes occupational group.
The results also supported Hypothesis 3 by demonstrating that social support significantly mediated the relationship between the frequency of leisure travel and psychological well-being. This highlights the interpersonal dimension through which travel contributes to psychological functioning. According to the Broaden-and-Build Theory [18], positive affect induced by restorative experiences such as travel fosters social openness, prosocial behavior, and emotional bonding. These social processes are particularly valuable for pharmacists, whose high job demands and emotional labor often diminish opportunities for meaningful social interaction. Empirical evidence from recent research underscores this mediating pathway. For example, Matheucci et al. (2022) [69] found that individuals who engaged more frequently in leisure travel reported higher levels of perceived emotional support and social belonging. Similarly, Guo et al. (2024) [70] demonstrated that post-pandemic leisure travel was significantly associated with improved social connection and psychological resilience, especially among healthcare workers. These findings reinforce the idea that leisure travel facilitates the renewal of social resources by enabling connection with family, friends, and even new acquaintances. For pharmacists working in demanding environments, such socially enriching experiences may serve as a critical buffer against the cumulative emotional toll of their profession, contributing indirectly to their psychological well-being through enhanced support systems.
Finally, the study’s findings further confirmed Hypothesis 4 by identifying a statistically significant sequential mediation pathway: the frequency of leisure travel was associated with reduced perceived stress, which enhanced social support, ultimately contributing to improved psychological well-being. This result highlights a psychologically plausible progression through which the restorative effects of travel translate into broader interpersonal gains, aligning with the integrated perspectives of Recovery Theory [17] and the Broaden-and-Build Theory of Positive Emotions [18]. Initially, leisure travel enables individuals to detach from chronic occupational demands, thereby replenishing emotional and cognitive resources. As individuals recover, they regain the emotional bandwidth necessary to re-engage socially, demonstrating more openness, trust, and prosocial behaviors that foster meaningful social interactions. Empirical findings support this cascading mechanism. For instance, Newman et al. (2014) [71] emphasized that leisure experiences reduce psychological strain and indirectly foster interpersonal well-being. Similarly, Iwasaki et al. (2010) [72] observed that leisure facilitates psychological recovery and promotes meaningful social connection, especially in high-stress populations. These results align with Pressman et al.’s (2009) [67] conclusion that engaging in enjoyable leisure improves mood and fosters stronger interpersonal ties, reinforcing the plausibility of the observed sequential mediation pathway in the current study.
Consequently, this study extends existing literature by uncovering how the frequency of leisure travel contributes to pharmacists’ psychological well-being through reduced perceived stress and enhanced social support. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating recovery-oriented and socially enriching strategies into occupational well-being models, particularly for high-stress healthcare professions. Future research employing longitudinal or experimental designs could further validate these pathways and strengthen causal interpretations.
Limitations
Besides the significant outcomes, this research possesses several constraints that necessitate careful interpretation. The study’s cross-sectional design constrains the capacity to establish causal relationships between the frequency of leisure travel, perceived stress, social support, and psychological well-being. Longitudinal studies are required to substantiate these causal connections. The study depends on self-reported measures, which may be susceptible to response bias. Respondents may either overestimate or underestimate their engagement in leisure travel, stress levels, availability of social support, and overall mental well-being. Additionally, it should be noted that the study’s sample size is confined to pharmacists exclusively in Henan Province, China. This constraint may limit how much the study findings can be generalized to other geographical regions or professional cohorts. Subsequent studies should incorporate more heterogeneous samples from various geographic areas and occupational fields to improve the findings’ applicability. Finally, this study did not consider other potential mediators and moderators. Future research should consider investigating variables such as personality traits, work environment, and coping strategies, as they can potentially influence the observed relationships.
Implications
The findings of this study offer meaningful implications for healthcare institutions and policymakers aiming to enhance pharmacists’ psychological well-being. Promoting the frequency of leisure travel—through supportive leave policies or institutional encouragement—may serve as a viable strategy to reduce perceived stress and foster social support networks among pharmacists. Additionally, organizations can enhance workplace resilience by fostering a collegial environment that values interpersonal connection and mutual support. Investment in stress management programs and structured recovery opportunities may further equip pharmacists with tools to navigate occupational demands more effectively. Collectively, these measures have the potential to improve job satisfaction, reduce burnout, and indirectly elevate the quality of patient care.
Conclusion
This study highlights the positive associations between the frequency of leisure travel and psychological well-being among pharmacists, mediated by reductions in perceived stress and enhanced social support. Grounded in Recovery Theory and the Broaden-and-Build Theory, the findings suggest that frequent travel may support emotional recovery and facilitate meaningful social connections, both critical for maintaining well-being in high-stress professions. These insights offer practical implications for healthcare organizations seeking to mitigate burnout and improve mental health outcomes. Future research should adopt longitudinal designs to clarify causal pathways and explore moderating factors across demographic and professional contexts.
Supplementary Information
Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.
Acknowledgements
N/A.
Author contributions
SR: Formal analysis, Methodology, Visualization, Validation, Writing– review & editing. JA: Conceptualization, Formal analysis, Methodology, Visualization, Validation, Supervision, Writing– original draft, Writing– review & editing. AK: Conceptualization, Formal analysis, Methodology, Visualization, Writing– original draft, Writing– review & editing. KAA: Formal analysis, Methodology, Visualization, Validation, Writing– review & editing, Funding. All authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript for publication.
Funding
This study is supported via funding from Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University project number (PSAU/2025/R/1447).
Data availability
The raw data used to support the study findings is available from the authors upon reasonable request.
Declarations
Ethics approval and consent to participate
This study received ethical approval from the Ethics Review Committee of Henan Normal University, China (Approval Number: R-00672/D). It was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and adhered to the ethical guidelines set by the committee.
Informed consent
Informed consent was obtained from all the participants before the survey.
Consent for publication
Not applicable.
Competing interests
The authors declare no competing interests.
Footnotes
Publisher’s note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
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Associated Data
This section collects any data citations, data availability statements, or supplementary materials included in this article.
Supplementary Materials
Data Availability Statement
The raw data used to support the study findings is available from the authors upon reasonable request.