The association between physical activity and anxiety in college students: parallel mediation of life satisfaction and self-efficacy

Abstract

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ObjectiveTo explore the functions that physical activity (PA), life satisfaction, and self-efficacy have in the process of coping with anxiety among Chinese college students, and to explore the mediating role of life satisfaction and self-efficacy in this process.MethodsParticipants were 358 college students (186 males, 172 females, mean age 20.88, SD = ±1.80). Psychosocial tests including the Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), College Student Life Satisfaction Scale (CSLSS), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) were completed. Correlations between variables were calculated using Pearson’s test. The mediation model was tested using the SPSS 26.0 PROCESS macro and regression bootstrap.ResultsPhysical activity showed a negative correlation with anxiety (β = −0.1617, p < 0.001., life satisfaction and self-efficacy played a role in the relationship between physical activity and anxiety. More importantly, physical activity was associated with anxiety through parallel mediating effects of life satisfaction and self-efficacy, with a total mediating effect of 55.34%.ConclusionBy increasing college students’ participation in physical activity, it helps to promote the growth of their life satisfaction and self-efficacy, which is the key to reducing anxiety and promoting college students’ mental health.

Keywords

• anxiety
• negative emotions
• self-efficacy
• life satisfaction
• physical activity