Developing a Model of the Role of Social Networks in Women’s Participation in Leisure Activities and Public Sports with Emphasis on the Role of Social Adjustment

Abstract

Sport, as a social and cultural phenomenon, has been profoundly influenced by communication media. Media and sport maintain an extensive symbiotic relationship within society that deeply affects both domains. In this regard, the present study aimed to develop a model of the role of social networks in women’s participation in leisure activities and public sports with an emphasis on the role of social adjustment. In terms of purpose, the study was applied research, and in terms of implementation method, it employed a descriptive-correlational design. The statistical population consisted of all women participating in public sports activities in the city of Kermanshah, from whom 279 participants were selected through random sampling based on the Cochran formula. Data collection was conducted using the standardized Sharkey Physical Activity Questionnaire (Sharkey, 1979), the questionnaire on the role of social media in promoting public sports developed by Eidi et al. (Eidi et al., 2014), and the Social Adjustment Questionnaire developed by Sohrabi et al. (Sohrabi et al., 2011). The validity of the instruments was evaluated and confirmed based on expert opinions, and the reliability of the questionnaires was estimated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods through structural equation modeling with the aid of SmartPLS software. According to the findings, social networks had a significant effect on women’s participation in leisure activities and public sports (β = 0.356, T = 3.637), social networks had a significant effect on women’s social adjustment (β = 0.608, T = 10.048), and social adjustment had a significant effect on women’s participation in leisure activities and public sports (β = 0.500, T = 5.943). Furthermore, the results of the Sobel test indicated that social networks had a significant indirect effect on women’s participation through the mediating role of social adjustment (T = 12.053) in leisure activities and public sports. The findings indicated that social networks can function as effective tools for increasing participation in public and leisure sports and for enhancing women’s social adjustment. Therefore, it is recommended that these platforms, through presenting realistic role models, providing social support, and offering psychological education, contribute to improving women’s quality of life and professional performance.