Journal article
Enhancing Quality of Life through Travel, Happiness, and Psychological Resilience: The Influences of Coping and Vulnerability
Journal of Travel Research, Vol.65(1), pp.183-204
2026
Appears in UniSC Supported Open Access Outputs
Abstract
This study, guided by the broaden-and-build theory (BBT), examines the relationship between leisure travel frequency and tourists’ quality of life (QoL), with happiness and psychological resilience as key mediators. We also explore how tourists’ coping abilities and perceived vulnerability levels shape this relationship as moderators. Using cross-sectional surveys with Australian tourists at three time points (Study 1– n = 599, Study 2– n = 290, Study 3- n = 379), we evidence the connection between travel frequency and QoL, highlighting the mediating roles of happiness and psychological resilience. Individuals with weaker coping abilities and high vulnerability levels are also shown to benefit more from increased travel frequency in terms of QoL. These findings deepen our understanding of the link between leisure travel and QoL, identifying the types of tourists who gain the most from frequent travel. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed in line with these findings.
Details
- Title
- Enhancing Quality of Life through Travel, Happiness, and Psychological Resilience: The Influences of Coping and Vulnerability
- Authors
- Rory Mulcahy (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Business and Creative IndustriesGirish Prayag - University of CanterburyShahab Pourfakhimi - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Business and Creative Industries
- Publication details
- Journal of Travel Research, Vol.65(1), pp.183-204
- Publisher
- Sage Publications, Inc.
- Date published
- 2026
- DOI
- 10.1177/00472875241288481
- ISSN
- 1552-6763
- Copyright note
- © The Author(s) 2024. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) which permits any use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as specified on the SAGE and Open Access page (https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/open-access-at-sage).
- Organisation Unit
- School of Business and Creative Industries; Sustainability Research Cluster
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991076422702621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
5 File views/ downloads
100 Record Views
InCites Highlights
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: SDGs from InCites