A new study from the University of South Australia has revealed that regularly participating in in-person events can greatly enhance overall well-being.
A study conducted by tourism and event management researchers at UniSA and Flinders University found that regularly attending events like festivals, exhibitions, sports games, farmers markets, and food gatherings can significantly boost positive emotions—such as joy, contentment, happiness, and excitement.
Published in the International Journal of Tourism Research, the study also linked event attendance with greater engagement, where participants reported feeling so absorbed in the activity that they lost track of time.
Survey of South Australians Links Frequent In-Person Event Attendance to Higher Emotional Well-Being and Deeper Engagement
The researchers surveyed over 350 South Australians to explore how often they attended both in-person and virtual events, and how this correlated with their well-being. The findings showed a clear connection between frequent in-person event attendance and increased emotional well-being, along with a stronger sense of immersion in experiences.
Associate Professor Sunny Son from UniSA noted that while it’s often suggested events can enhance well-being, there has been limited research backing this claim.
“Our study took a comprehensive view of the link between event participation and well-being,” she explained. “We found clear evidence that attending events can meaningfully enhance personal well-being, which supports using community events as a tool for improving overall mental and emotional health.”
“Well-being is becoming an increasingly important priority for individuals and communities, with strong ties to benefits in health, work performance, family life, and social cohesion,” the researchers noted.
Well-Being Tied to Better Health, Job Performance, and Stronger Communities, Researchers Emphasize
“Research has shown that higher levels of well-being are associated with lower risks of illness and injury, as well as longer life expectancy. People who report greater well-being also tend to excel at work and contribute more positively to their communities. That makes well-being crucial—not just for public health, but also for building strong, socially connected, and resilient communities.”
The study also discovered that while virtual events—such as livestreamed concerts or online performances—can enhance a person’s sense of accomplishment, they don’t significantly affect other aspects of well-being in the way that in-person experiences do.
Dr. Eliza Kitchen, Senior Lecturer at Flinders University, emphasized that organizations can harness the benefits of in-person events by integrating them into staff reward programs, inviting stakeholders to attend, or offering complimentary tickets to employees.
“These approaches can lift morale, improve satisfaction, and create a more engaged and productive workforce,” she explained.
She also pointed out that educational institutions can use events to promote student well-being, especially given the high rates of mental health challenges among youth.
“Events offer students valuable opportunities to connect with peers, reduce stress, and grow personally,” Kitchen added. “Similarly, local councils can use free public events to strengthen neighborhood ties and foster a deeper sense of support and community.”
“Ultimately, our research shows that events offer more than economic or tourism value—they play a vital role in improving well-being. That’s a compelling reason to support events for the benefit of both visitors and local residents alike.”
Read the original article on: MedicalXpress