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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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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.

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Data Availability

The data used to support the findings of the study can be obtained from the first author upon request.

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Funding

This study was supported in part by the Fifth Supervisor’s Academic Leadership Project of Shanghai International Studies University (Grant No.2022113031).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Education, Shanghai International Studies University, Shanghai, 201620, China

    Lingshu Li, Lin Xu & Yujia Zhu

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  1. Lingshu Li
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  2. Lin Xu
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  3. Yujia Zhu
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Contributions

All authors agreed on the content of the study. LL, LX and YZ collected all the data for analysis. LX agreed on the methodology. LL, LX and YZ completed the analysis based on agreed steps. Results and conclusions are discussed and written together. The author read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Lin Xu.

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Li, L., Xu, L. & Zhu, Y. Examining How Exercise Influences the Mental Health of College Students: The Role of a Mediating Effect Model. J Knowl Econ (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-024-01776-5

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