Physical activity and subjective well-being: A chain mediating model

Physical activity plays an important role in enhancing individual subjective well-being, but the mechanism underlying this effect is still under investigation. This study constructed a chain mediation model to explore the relationship between physical activity and subjective well-being among college students, incorporating the mediating effects of general self-efficacy and self-esteem. We recruited a sample of 1,184 Chinese college students, who completed four scales. Physical activity had a significant positive correlation with subjective well-being. Further, the direct effect of physical activity on subjective well-being was significant, and general self-efficacy and self-esteem had both independent and chain mediating effects on this relationship. Our results provide a theoretical basis and practical reference for improving the subjective well-being of college students.