Exercise self-efficacy and aggressive behavior in college students: Interpersonal trust and prosocial behavior as chain mediators

This study examined the relationship between exercise self-efficacy and aggressive behavior in college students, with interpersonal trust and prosocial behavior as mediators. We conducted a survey of 1,571 college students. The results were as follows: (a) exercise self-efficacy was significantly and negatively related to aggression, and the direct path of exercise self-efficacy to aggressive behavior was significant; (b) exercise self-efficacy positively predicted interpersonal trust and prosocial behavior, while interpersonal trust significantly and positively predicted prosocial behavior, and prosocial behavior significantly predicted aggressive behavior; and (c) interpersonal trust and prosocial behavior played a significant mediating role in the relationship between exercise self-efficacy and aggressive behavior. These findings have important practical significance as guidance for reducing aggressive behavior in college students.