Cross-lagged effects of physical exercise on mental health: the mediating effects of emotional expression and self-efficacy
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This longitudinal study investigated the bidirectional relationship between physical exercise and mental health among college students, focusing on the mediating roles of emotional expression and self-efficacy. Using a cross-lagged panel design with three time points over an academic year, data were collected from 500 undergraduate students in China. Structural equation modeling revealed significant reciprocal effects between physical exercise and mental health outcomes. Mediation analysis demonstrated that emotional expression and self-efficacy collectively accounted for 38% of the total effect of physical exercise on mental health. Physical exercise at earlier time points positively predicted both emotional expression (β = 0.16, p < .01) and self-efficacy (β = 0.19, p < .001) at subsequent time points, which in turn predicted improved mental health outcomes. The study also found significant direct effects of physical exercise on mental health (β = -0.182, p < .001), indicating unique contributions beyond the examined mediators. These findings highlight the complex mechanisms through which physical exercise influences mental health and suggest that interventions integrating physical activity with strategies to enhance emotional regulation and self-efficacy may be particularly effective in promoting mental well-being among college students. The results underscore the importance of adopting a holistic approach to mental health promotion that considers both physical and psychological factors in young adult populations.
Authors: Hyunsoo Choi, Teng Yu
Institutions: Hanyang University, Hubei University of Automotive Technology
Language: English
Topic: Physical Activity and Health
Subfield: Physiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4405484279