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Examining How Exercise Influences the Mental Health of College Students: The Role of a Mediating Effect Model

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  • Lingshu Li

    (Shanghai International Studies University)

  • Lin Xu

    (Shanghai International Studies University)

  • Yujia Zhu

    (Shanghai International Studies University)

Abstract

College students’ mental health (MH) challenges have gained heightened focus lately, shining a spotlight on the pivotal role of exercise in addressing these issues. The primary goal of this research is to delve into the intricate connections between MH and exercise within the college student population. The study aims to uncover and understand the mechanisms that underlie this relationship. Data was collected from 527 college students in Shanghai, utilizing a combination of big data analysis, questionnaires, and various research methodologies. Utilizing these approaches, a novel structural model was devised, intricately linking pivotal elements such as body esteem (BE) and emotional regulation. Evaluation of these components unearthed noteworthy discoveries: (1) Elevated engagement in physical activity showed a favorable relationship with the enhancement of body-esteem and emotional regulation, yet demonstrated an adverse link with MH. (2) Significantly, both body esteem and emotional regulation emerged as mediators, shaping the impact of exercise on the MH of college students. Encouraging self-initiated exercise habits among college students proves crucial in fostering positive routines and enhancing their mental well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Lingshu Li & Lin Xu & Yujia Zhu, 2024. "Examining How Exercise Influences the Mental Health of College Students: The Role of a Mediating Effect Model," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 15(4), pages 18721-18738, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jknowl:v:15:y:2024:i:4:d:10.1007_s13132-024-01776-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s13132-024-01776-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kun Wang & Yan Li & Tingran Zhang & Jiong Luo, 2022. "The Relationship among College Students’ Physical Exercise, Self-Efficacy, Emotional Intelligence, and Subjective Well-Being," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(18), pages 1-14, September.
    2. Sibo Zhao & Jie Zhang & Lisu Peng & Wenhui Yang, 2021. "Mental Health Outcomes among Chinese College Students over a Decade," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-14, December.
    3. Chiara Fossati & Guglielmo Torre & Sebastiano Vasta & Arrigo Giombini & Federico Quaranta & Rocco Papalia & Fabio Pigozzi, 2021. "Physical Exercise and Mental Health: The Routes of a Reciprocal Relation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-10, November.
    4. Rizwan Ullah Khan & Yashar Salamzadeh & Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah & Mazhar Hussain, 2021. "Factors affecting women entrepreneurs’ success: a study of small- and medium-sized enterprises in emerging market of Pakistan," Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 10(1), pages 1-21, December.
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