Maciel, Marcos GonçalvesMadariaga Ortuzar, AuroraMartins, José Clerton de OliveiraArdila Gutiérrez, Luz ÁngelaBendikova, ElenaAssis, Karina LopesReis, Renato FranciscoMola, Dessalegn WaseUvinha, Ricardo Ricci2025-08-192025-08-192024-12-23Maciel, M. G., Madariaga Ortuzar, A., Martins, J. C. d. O., Gutierrez, L. A. Á., Bendikova, E., Assis, K. L., Reis, R. F., Mola, D. W., & Uvinha, R. R. (2024). Leisure styles in adults: changes throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Social Sciences, 13(12). https://doi.org/10.3390/SOCSCI1312070210.3390/SOCSCI13120702https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14454/3372This study explored changes in leisure styles among adults during the periods before (2019), during (2020–2022), and after (2023) the COVID-19 pandemic. A quantitative, cross-sectional, and exploratory design was employed using a non-probabilistic sample of 300 participants aged 18–60 years (mean age = 31.7 ± 10.8). Data were collected via an online survey using the Leisure Practices Scale, which measures engagement in artistic, manual, physical activity, intellectual, social, touristic, virtual, and contemplative practices. The results showed a significant increase in intellectual activities between the pre- and during-pandemic periods (p = 0.05), with the level of engagement remaining high in the post-pandemic period. Similarly, virtual activities demonstrated a significant increase in engagement between the pre- and during-pandemic periods (p = 0.00), returning to pre-pandemic levels afterward. Artistic (p = 0.91), manual (p = 0.60), and contemplative (p = 0.52) activities showed no significant changes, remaining stable across the analyzed periods. Significant reductions were observed in physical (p = 0.00), social (p = 0.05), and touristic (p = 0.04) activities during the pandemic, with the latter two returning to pre-pandemic levels afterward. These findings underscore the pandemic’s differentiated impact on leisure practices.eng© 2024 by the authorsHealth promotionLeisureMental healthQuality of lifejournal article2025-08-192076-0760