Frequency of leisure travel and psychological well-being in pharmacists: the sequential mediating roles of perceived stress and social support

Background: Pharmacists are frequently exposed to high occupational stress, yet limited research has explored psychological recovery mechanisms in this group. Leisure travel may offer restorative benefits that enhance psychological well-being, but the underlying processes remain insufficiently understood. This study aims to examine the association between the frequency of leisure travel and psychological well-being among pharmacists in Henan, China, with particular attention to the mediating roles of perceived stress and social support. Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed, with data collected from 947 licensed pharmacists working in community, clinical, and hospital settings across Henan, China, between August and October 2024. A stratified random sampling strategy was used to ensure balanced representation across pharmacy practice types, geographic regions, and experience levels. Key study variables were assessed using validated psychometric instruments. Regression-based mediation analysis was performed to determine the direct and indirect associations among the study variables. Results: The frequency of leisure travel was positively and significantly associated with psychological well-being (β = 0.36, p < 0.001). Perceived stress (β = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.09–0.25) and social support (β = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.10–0.31) independently mediated this relationship. A significant sequential mediation pathway was also observed (β = 0.06, 95% CI: 0.01–0.17), wherein leisure travel was linked to lower perceived stress, enhancing social support, and improving psychological well-being. Conclusion: These results underscore the potential psychological benefits of frequent travel, suggesting that emotional recovery and interpersonal support may be key mechanisms linking travel behaviors to improved well-being. The study offers meaningful implications for healthcare organizations aiming to support pharmacists’ mental health through evidence-based leisure and recovery strategies.