The Influence of Chinese College Students’ Physical Exercise on Life Satisfaction: The Chain Mediation Effect of Core Self-evaluation and Positive Emotion

Abstract

Physical exercise is an important way for college students to maintain their physical health, and life satisfaction is one of the important indicators of college students’ mental health. Therefore, this study aims to explore the relationship between physical exercise and life satisfaction of college students. Additionally, we also seek to demonstrate the chain mediating effects of core self-evaluation and positive emotion on this relationship. A total of 794 Chinese college students, 324 men and 470 women, participated in the study. The participants were 17–25years old (M=19.96±1.54). They completed the Exercise Adherence Questionnaire, Core Self-evaluation Scale, Positive Affect and Negative Affect Scale, and Satisfaction with Life Scale. Results showed a strong positive relationship between physical exercise and life satisfaction and verified the mediating effect of core self-evaluation and positive emotion on this relationship. The results also confirmed the chain mediating model between physical exercise, core self-evaluation, positive emotion, and life satisfaction. It enlightens us that we should pay more attention to the organic combination of students’ physical activities and mental health education.

Parental marital conflict, negative emotions, phubbing, and academic burnout among college students in the postpandemic era: A multiple mediating models

“…A study suggested that stressful life events increased individual difficulty in emotion regulation and put them in a state of stress. Under stressful conditions, it was easier to regard mobile phones as an emotional venting tool, increase usage frequency, and then lead to academic burnout (Liu et al, 2019). Similar to mobile phone usage, people reported that they were more distracted and less productive in communication when phubbing occurred (Dwyer et al, 2017), and thus affected academic achievement.…”

The influence of physical exercise on college students’ life satisfaction: The chain mediating role of self-control and psychological distress

“…Data from previous studies point to a strong link between physical activity and life satisfaction among university students (Liu et al, 2021). In recent years, there has been an increase in research on the relationship between physical activity and life satisfaction, and the positive effects of physical activity on life satisfaction are gaining attention from researchers (Chen, 2005).…”

“…Previous studies have shown that the level of personal life satisfaction is not only influenced by the individual’s internal emotions (such as anger, frustration), but also influenced by external social factors (such as work environment) and behavioral lifestyles (such as physical and cultural activities) ( Cruz-Ferreira et al, 2011 ). Among these influences, people’s behavior and lifestyles are of wide concern to society ( Arslan and Akkas, 2014 ; Liu et al, 2021 ). Physical exercise is a physical activity that aims to develop physical fitness, improve physical and mental health and enrich the diversity of one’s life through a variety of reasonable physical means according to one’s needs ( Han, 2015 ).…”

The Relationship Between Physical Exercise and Aggressive Behavior Among College Students: The Mediating Roles of Life Satisfaction, Meaning in Life, and Depression

“… 13 Studies have found a positive correlation between physical exercise and life satisfaction. 14 Physical exercise not only influences individuals’ social cognitive abilities through its unique group environment, but it also enhances cognition by improving physiological functions and mood states, thereby increasing individual life satisfaction. 15 Meaning in life refers to individuals’ perception and awareness of the nature of themselves and their existence, including the recognition and perception of things they deem important, 16 encompassing two dimensions: having meaning and seeking meaning.…”