Sports participation and happiness: Evidence from US microdata

We investigate the relationship between participation in physical activity and self reported happiness in the United States. IV estimates based on data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System between 2005 and 2009 and County Business Patterns indicate that individuals living in a county with greater access to sports facilities are more likely to participate in physical activity and also report higher life satisfaction. Both men and women gain happiness from participation, and men appear to benefit more from participation than women.

► We investigate the relationship between participation in physical activity and self reported happiness in the United States.
► IV estimates based on BRFSS data indicate that individuals with greater access to sports facilities report higher life satisfaction.
► Both men and women gain happiness from participation, and men appear to benefit more from participation than women.