기혼중년여성의 시간대별 활동유형과 행복: ERG이론에 기초한 일상재구성법 분석

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between daily activities and happiness among middle-aged married women based on Alderfer’s existence, relatedness, and growth (ERG) theory. Another aim was to identify factors contributing to their well-being. A total of 273 middle-aged married women participated in the study, and the Day Reconstruction Method (DRM) was employed to analyze differences in happiness levels according to daily activities on weekdays and weekends. Activities were categorized into existence, relatedness, and growth activities based on the ERG theory. Differences in happiness levels were examined across time segments and activity types on weekdays and weekends. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 29.0. Descriptive statistics were computed and employment status was entered as a covariate in both the general linear model, including repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). First, the participants reported significantly higher levels of happiness on weekends than on weekdays, a trend that was consistent across all time segments. On weekdays, happiness gradually increased throughout the day, whereas on weekends, a generally high level of happiness was maintained. Second, happiness associated with growth activities peaked on weekdays and weekend evenings, whereas relationship activities were most rewarding on weekends at midday. Survival activities consistently produced the lowest scores, accounting for the weekend’s overall happiness advantage. These findings highlight the importance of time-specific activity planning for enhancing daily well-being and offering practical strategies to optimize happiness among middle-aged married women.